From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kogi State have arrested 26 kidnappers in collaboration with security agencies during a clean-up operation in parts of the Okun Yoruba-speaking area of the state.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), disclosed this while parading the suspects to newsmen on Tuesday in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
Omodara noted that the operation, conducted over the last two weeks, was part of the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
According to Omodara, the arrested suspects include natives who have been aiding bandits by supplying logistics such as food, drinks, and water.
“It is not only the kidnappers’ group in the forest that have been arrested, but also the natives collaborating with them. They serve as their logistics suppliers to the bandits and kidnappers in the bush,” he said.
“Our deep investigation after the death of the kidnapped retired Major Joe Ajayi revealed that some natives were involved. The arrested suspects are helping security agencies get to the root causes of the rising kidnapping in the area.”
Omodara stated that the Kogi government is serious about addressing insecurity and called on communities to adopt a first line of defence, noting that vigilantes are permitted to carry certain levels of arms.
“We urge communities to develop some level of intelligence. Our women are currently being used to buy food, drinks, and other items, sending them through some youths in the communities who are bandit collaborators,” he added.
“Governor Ahmed Ododo is committed to ensuring peace returns to every community, not only in Bunu land but across Kogi State. We are taking proactive measures; when the heat is on in Benue State, we formed a defence at border lines such as Olamaboro and Omala Local Government Areas to prevent an influx of criminals into the state,” Omodara said.
The Security Adviser assured that the government would not take security lightly and would continue working with security agencies to bring perpetrators to book. He noted that a defence system has been formed to prevent the influx of criminals from neighbouring states.
Also speaking, Mr Jeremiah Danjuma, Deputy Commandant of the Civilian JTF in Kogi West, attributed the success in combating kidnapping and banditry to the collaborative efforts of state and federal governments.
“Through these joint efforts, we formed the Civilian JTF, which has recorded significant achievements. In our clean-up operation last night at Bunu forests, we apprehended 16 bandits and kidnappers, including some from Zamfara. Some of the dreaded arrested kidnappers were immediately handed over to the DSS for further investigation,” Danjuma said.