Security forces in Kogi and Kwara States have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and one informant in a successful joint operation, leading to the rescue of several kidnap victims.

According to a statement from Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, the arrests were made during coordinated raids by a Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Egbe.

The operation covered several communities, including:

Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State

Patigi, Lafiagi, and Gbugbu in Kwara State

The raid targeted known criminal hideouts and was aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating across both states.

Commissioner Fanwo praised the security agencies for their swift and effective response, noting that the collaboration between both states played a major role in the success of the mission.

“This is a clear message to criminals that there is no hiding place for them. The joint security efforts of Kogi and Kwara are yielding results,” Fanwo stated.

He added that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court after due process.

The Kogi State government urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that can help in the ongoing fight against crime.