Crackdown on kidnappers: Kogi Govt arrests internal collaborators, warns against supporting criminals

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Kogi State Government has uncovered a criminal network involving local collaborators aiding kidnapping gangs in parts of the state and has launched a crackdown on those involved.

The government disclosed that the discovery followed a coordinated crackdown by joint security forces in response to recent security breaches, including the abduction and death of a retired Nigerian Army officer and the kidnap of a prominent farmer. They were cracked down in parts of the state within Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas of the state.

The state commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who made the disclosure to journalists on Sunday 13 July 2025 in Lokoja stated that the operations have led to significant arrests and exposure of those fueling criminal activity in the state.

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The Commissioner said the operations, which were initiated under the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo have led to significant arrests and exposure of those fueling criminal activity in the state.

Recall the abduction and death of a retired Nigerian Army officer was from Odo-Ape, the kidnap of a prominent farmer from Ponyan in Yagba East, and a series of related incidents in Yagba West.

One of the key revelations, he noted, was linked to the case of late Samson Enietan, a criminal informant who died shortly after being identified as a key accomplice in the Odo-Ape abduction.

“While his death was initially linked to a suicide, the State Government suspects foul play, alleging that Enietan may have been eliminated by fellow collaborators to cover up a wider network of criminal conspirators.

The statement noted that the kidnapping of the farmer from Ponyan also brought to light the extent of internal collaboration, with several locals identified as informants.

“These developments confirm the painful reality that some residents are aiding those who destabilize their own communities,” Fanwo stated.

“Following the Governor’s public assurance in Isanlu that the abducted victims would be rescued, the kidnapped farmer and several others were indeed freed through coordinated rescue efforts.

“Victims kidnapped from Kiri in Kabba/Bunu LGA were also rescued in a separate operation, providing useful intelligence that led to further arrests.

“Among those arrested was Babatunde Aledare, a native of Ayetoro Kiri in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, who is now in custody and has reportedly made confessional statements outlining his role in the kidnapping ring.

“His testimony, according to the statement, has led to additional arrests in the last 48 hours, further exposing the internal collaborators aiding the gangs.

He added, “Investigations have also uncovered disturbing patterns of logistical support being provided to kidnappers. The statement revealed that some bread sellers and sachet water factories were supplying basic necessities to kidnappers in forest hideouts. Motorcycle riders acted as couriers, transporting goods to the criminals, allowing them to sustain operations undetected.

“In addition, certain fuel stations were implicated in selling petrol in containers, which were then transported into the forest to power the kidnappers’ camps. Some wood contractors, the government claims, also participated by supplying food to criminal groups in exchange for “business protection.”

“These findings will form the basis of strong government action,” Fanwo said.

“Vendors, fuel stations, and individuals found supporting criminals will be prosecuted. No one will be spared, whether you sell fuel, food, land, or information to these criminals.”

The statement also revealed that some traditional rulers and youths are currently under investigation for allegedly selling land to criminal elements. These parcels of land are believed to be used to establish detention camps for kidnapped victims.

Governor Ododo, the government reaffirmed, is committed to ensuring peace and stability across the state, adding that efforts to rescue all remaining kidnapped victims are ongoing.

In a stern warning, the government urged market associations, transport unions, oil marketers, and other groups to sensitize their members against aiding criminals. It also called on residents to volunteer information to security agencies, assuring them of full protection under the law.

“We remain grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and all heads of security agencies both at the federal and state levels for their unwavering support,” Fanwo added.

The Kogi State Government emphasized that its resolve to maintain law and order remains unshaken, vowing that both criminals and their enablers will face the full weight of the law.