Twelve suspected kidnappers and one alleged informant have been arrested in a coordinated security operation across parts of Kogi and Kwara States, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, announced on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out by a joint team comprising the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe. Targeted raids took place in Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke (Yagba West LGA, Kogi) and in Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu (Kwara State).
Fanwo said the security team engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which several kidnappers escaped, abandoning motorcycles and kidnapped victims. Multiple women were successfully rescued during the confrontation.
The arrested suspects include 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. Also detained was Rabiu Makeri, believed to be a gang informant.
One security officer was injured in the shootout and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Yagba West, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo pledging to cover all medical expenses.
Fanwo praised the efforts of the security forces and thanked the Kwara State Government for its cooperation. He added that peace had been restored to Kogi West and vowed that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in line with the law.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to working with federal and regional partners to keep communities safe and to eliminate criminal activity in the region.