Operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kogi State have arrested 26 kidnappers in a collaborative clean-up operation with security agencies in Kogi West. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this to newsmen while parading the suspects on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
Omodara emphasized that the operation, conducted over the past two weeks, is part of the government’s efforts to combat insecurity in the state. He revealed that among those arrested were locals who had been assisting the bandits by supplying them with logistics such as food, drinks, and water.
“It is not just the kidnappers in the forest that we have apprehended; we have also taken into custody the locals who are collaborating with them. These individuals serve as their suppliers of food and other necessities,” he stated.
“Our investigation following the tragic death of retired Major Joe Ajayi indicated that some locals were involved in this criminal activity. The arrested suspects are currently aiding security agencies in uncovering the root causes of the increasing kidnappings in the area.”
Omodara reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that Kogi does not become a safe haven for criminals, bandits, and kidnappers. “The Kogi government is very serious about this issue. We urge communities to take responsibility as the first line of defence; vigilantes are permitted to carry certain levels of arms. We encourage communities to develop their own intelligence-gathering capabilities.”
He pointed out that women in the community are being exploited by bandits to purchase food, drinks, and other items, which are then supplied by local youths collaborating with these criminals. “As we delve deeper into addressing these criminal activities, we are aware that some disgruntled individuals from outside the state are attempting to orchestrate protests. However, the community has distanced itself from these protests.”
Deputy Commandant of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kogi West, Mr. Jeremiah Danjuma, attributed the successes in combating kidnapping and banditry to the cooperation between state and federal governments. “Through our joint efforts, we formed the Civilian JTF, which has achieved significant successes. Our recent operation in the Bunu forests resulted in the apprehension of 16 bandits and kidnappers, including some from Zamfara. Many of those arrested have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation,” Danjuma reported.
The traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, Oba Sunday Omodamori, expressed concern over a recent protest allegedly organized by disgruntled individuals. “We have learned that these bandits traveled from Kebbi and Zamfara through Niger State to our community, and began kidnapping people. However, the Kogi State government has responded decisively to address this issue. Local vigilantes and hunters have always been present and receive full support from the state government.”
He criticised the timing of the protest, noting that it came when insecurity levels had already diminished. “I am truly disappointed; it is disheartening that some youths, acting out of discontent, are collaborating with bandits. We need to address such individuals in our community rather than voicing grievances about the government not taking action.”
