26 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Kogi West Security Operation

ODO-APE, KABBA-BUNU LGA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA – In a major win against insecurity, 26 suspected kidnappers have been apprehended in Kogi West through a coordinated operation by the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and other security agencies operating in the region.

The arrests mark a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to reclaim Okunland from the grip of criminal activities.

The success was announced by Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), the State Security Adviser, who addressed the press on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, in Odo-Ape, located within Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Commander Omodara disclosed that the operation, which spanned the past two weeks, was executed as part of the Kogi State Government’s broader strategy to sanitise the region.

The initiative aims to dismantle criminal networks that have continued to pose threats to lives, peace, and development in the area.

“Not only were armed kidnappers arrested deep inside our forests, but even some local collaborators – those who have been supplying them with food, drinks, and other logistics – have also been caught”, he said.

He confirmed that during the latest raid in the Bunu forest, 16 heavily armed kidnappers, including some from Zamfara State, were apprehended. Some of the most dangerous among them have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation.

The traditional ruler of Aiyegunle-Igun Bunu, Oba Sunday Omodamori, commended the operation and expressed concern over a recent protest, which he described as “ill-timed” and “misleading.”

“These bandits travelled from places like Kebbi and Zamfara through Niger State to settle in our backyards. But the State Government and our brave local hunters have risen to the occasion”, the monarch said.

“The protest came after major breakthroughs had been recorded. It’s disheartening that some youths—perhaps disgruntled or compromised—chose to collaborate with criminals rather than support our local security efforts.”

Oba Omodamori urged the people of Okunland to look inward and address the role of collaborators who are sabotaging the peace efforts within their own communities.

In his remarks, the Youth Leader of Aiyegunle-Igun, Ojo Olayinka, clarified that the recent protest was not organized by their community but rather by external elements within Bunu who hijacked the crowd on a market day to push a false narrative.

“Things have changed. While kidnappings used to be rampant, we are now seeing clear results from the government’s actions. Okunland is beginning to breathe again”, he noted.

The community praised the efforts of Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, security operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters, urging for sustained collaboration to fully secure Okunland.

“This is the time for unity. We must all support the security teams and expose those among us who are working with the enemy”, Olayinka added.

The cleanup operation is one of the most coordinated in recent times, and signals hope for the restoration of peace and safety across every corner of Okunland.