Joint Security Operations Nab Eight Kidnapping Suspects, Informants in Kogi

The Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested eight suspected kidnappers, including alleged informants, in Kogi State.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Saliu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday evening.

According to her, operatives of the Kogi State Police Command, working alongside the Nigerian Army, local hunters, and vigilante groups, carried out coordinated bush-combing operations across various parts of the state.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the ASP Afusat explained that the exercise was part of ongoing, intelligence-driven security measures routinely conducted across different locations in Kogi State to proactively detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks.

She said the operation involved extensive combing of identified forested and remote areas believed to be vulnerable to criminal activities.

“The exercise involved thorough combing of forested and remote areas suspected to be exploited by criminal elements. Ground operations were effectively complemented by aerial surveillance, which enhanced situational awareness, aided the tracking of suspicious movements, and facilitated the identification of concealed criminal hideouts,” she stated.

She added that several discovered bandit camps and hideouts were neutralised to prevent their reuse and deny criminals any operational advantage.

“Overwhelmed by the coordinated presence and superior deployment of security forces, suspected criminal elements fled their enclaves, abandoning several hideout locations,” Afusat said.

“In the course of the operation, eight suspects were arrested at different locations for questioning in connection with suspected criminal activities. Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the suspects are believed to be informants aiding kidnapping syndicates operating within the area.”

The police spokesperson noted that the suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement, after which appropriate legal action will be taken.

She further assured residents that the affected areas have remained calm and stable, with sustained and visible security presence to reassure the public and prevent any breach of peace.

ASP Afusat reiterated that joint security operations across the state remain continuous and deliberate, forming part of a comprehensive and proactive security architecture aimed at keeping criminal elements constantly unsettled until they are completely dismantled.

“These sustained efforts reflect the strategic and result-oriented leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, whose commitment to intelligence-driven policing, modern surveillance support, and strong inter-agency collaboration continues to yield tangible security gains across the state,” she said.

She added that the Commissioner of Police has assured the people of Kogi State of the Command’s firm control of the security situation and its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property.

Members of the public were also urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities through the Command’s Control Room emergency lines: 07038329084 and 08152195982.

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