Kogi: Troops nab 12 suspected kidnappers, rescue victims (Photos)
Quick Read
One of the security operatives involved in operation against the kidnappers was shot and is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital
By Ayorinde Oluokun|Abuja
Kogi government said 12 suspected kidnappers and one informant have been arrested during a series of raids by hybrid force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and Officers and Men of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe in communities across the state and neigbouring Kwara States.
The operations covered Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Patigi, Lafiagi and Gbugbu in Kwara State, Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo said in a statement.
According to the statement, the security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which some of the kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims.
The security operatives rescued during the kidnapped victims.
He identified the suspected kidnappers as Mainasara Abubakar, Sadik Abubakar, Jude Sani, Sanda Abubakar, Lawali Usman, Tukur Shehu, Hassan Abubakar, Kabiru Surajo, Makiri Dodo, Bala Hassan, Umaru Sanda, and Ruwa Abubakar.
He identified the suspected informant as Rabiu Makeri.
He added that one of the security operatives involved in operation against the kidnappers was shot and is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Fanwo also said the operation has disrupted criminal route from Kwara into communities in Western senatorial zone of the state.
“We want to thank the gallant officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and our men at the FOB, Egbe for their courage and professionalism. We also commend the Kwara State Government for their cooperation, which has yielded this outstanding result,” the statement read.
“Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminal route from Kwara into our communities has now been disrupted. There will be no hiding place for the criminals.
“One of the security agents who confronted the kidnappers was shot and he is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West Local Government Area of the State. The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has offered to cover all the costs of treatment”, he said.
He assured that the arrested suspects will face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
In a separate remark, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and ALGON Chairman for Kogi State, Hon. Tosin Olokun, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing the logistics and support that enabled the success of the operation.
“Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Yagba West and Yagba as a whole. Today, he has backed those words with decisive action. We can now heave a sigh of relief. The people of Yagba are grateful for his leadership and the results it is delivering,” Olokun said.
Comments