Security operatives have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and one informant in a coordinated operation carried out across parts of Kogi and Kwara.

Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information, announced this in a statement on Wednesday. He also said that some of the victims of the kidnapping were rescued.

The suspects are 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.

The commissioner stated that one Rabiu Makeri, believed to be an informant for the gang, was also arrested.

He stated that the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids jointly conducted by the hybrid force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and operatives of the Forward Operating Base in Egbe.

According to him, the operations covered Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West LGA in Kogi, and Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara.

He said that the security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which some of the kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims.

“In the process, several kidnapped women were successfully rescued during the confrontation. We want to thank the gallant officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and our men at the FOB, Egbe, for their courage and professionalism.

“We also commend the Kwara state government for their cooperation, which has yielded this outstanding result. Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminal route from Kwara into our communities has now been disrupted. There will be no hiding place for the criminals,” said the commissioner.

Mr Fanwo regretted that one of the security agents, who confronted the kidnappers, was shot, and he is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West LGA. 

He said that Governor Ahmed Ododo offered to cover all the costs of treatment for the officer.

The commissioner assured the public that the arrested suspects would face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state’s zero tolerance of crime.

(NAN)