A coordinated security operation targeting criminal networks along the border between Nigeria’s Kogi and Kwara states has led to the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and an alleged informant, authorities announced Wednesday. Several women held captive by the group were freed during the raid, which involved a fierce exchange of gunfire between security forces and the suspects.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the details during a press briefing in Lokoja, the state capital. He credited the joint efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Hybrid Force and military personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe for executing the mission. The operation, he said, disrupted a kidnapping syndicate operating in the region, though some suspects managed to escape during the confrontation.
“The security team engaged the criminals in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their motorcycles and victims as they fled,” Fanwo stated. One member of the security forces sustained gunshot injuries and is currently hospitalized. Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has pledged to cover the medical expenses for the wounded operative, according to the commissioner.
Fanwo praised the bravery of the troops involved and reiterated the state government’s uncompromising stance against criminal activities. “We will not relent in our efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors,” he said, emphasizing that the arrested suspects would face prosecution once investigations conclude.
The rescue of the abducted women underscores the human toll of kidnapping, a persistent challenge in parts of Nigeria where criminal gangs often target vulnerable communities for ransom. While the identities of the victims and their conditions remain undisclosed, the operation highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle such networks.
This incident follows a series of recent security operations in Nigeria’s north-central region, where interstate borders have occasionally served as hideouts for armed groups. Collaborative efforts between federal and state forces have intensified in response to public demands for improved safety.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspects’ alleged activities or the timeline for their prosecution. However, Fanwo’s announcement signals a continued focus on accountability, aligning with broader national strategies to address insecurity.
The Kogi-Kwara border operation reflects a growing emphasis on interagency coordination in Nigeria’s security landscape, as officials seek to curb crimes that disrupt livelihoods and destabilize regions. For now, the rescued women’s release offers a measure of relief, even as questions linger about the broader systemic challenges fueling such incidents.
