By Samuel Adeola
The Kogi State Government says it has dismantled a major network of informants and collaborators supporting kidnappers across several local government areas.
In a statement on Sunday, Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said joint security forces conducted coordinated operations in Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West following recent abductions and killings.
He cited the kidnap and death of a retired soldier from Odo-Ape and the abduction of a prominent farmer in Ponyan. The farmer and others were later rescued during intense operations.
A key suspect, Samson Enietan, allegedly a top informant, reportedly died by suicide, though officials suspect he was killed by fellow gang members to prevent exposure.
Another suspect, Babatunde Aledare of Ayetoro Kiri, was arrested and confessed, leading to further arrests within 48 hours.
Fanwo disclosed that some bread sellers, sachet water producers, and motorcycle riders were supplying food and water to kidnappers in the forests, while certain fuel stations sold petrol in containers to power their generators and motorcycles.
The government vowed to dismantle the criminal supply chain.
“Anyone found aiding kidnappers through sales, logistics, or land will face the full weight of the law. No one will be spared,” Fanwo warned.
