The Kogi State Government has exposed a troubling supply chain allegedly involving local vendors and commercial motorcyclists who provide logistical support — including food, water, and fuel — to kidnapping gangs operating from forest hideouts across the state.
The revelation follows intensified security operations across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West local government areas, which were launched in response to a recent wave of abductions and targeted killings.
State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said that the ongoing security crackdown had led to multiple arrests, including that of Babatunde Aledare, a suspected informant from Ayetoro Kiri, whose confession helped identify other collaborators.
“Evidence points to bread sellers and sachet water factories supplying essential items to criminals in forest encampments,” Fanwo stated, adding that some filling stations were complicit in selling petrol in containers to couriers acting on behalf of the gangs.
Authorities believe this covert supply chain has enabled kidnappers to remain embedded in remote terrain, complicating security efforts and extending the duration of criminal operations.
Fanwo also confirmed the controversial death of Samson Enietan, described as a key informant whose exposure may have endangered co-conspirators. While early reports cited suicide, the government now suspects he was eliminated by fellow gang members to prevent further leaks.
In addition to the murder of a retired army officer in Odo-Ape and the abduction of a prominent farmer in Ponyan, several hostages have been rescued in recent raids, Fanwo disclosed.
“Anyone aiding and abetting kidnapping — whether by fear, greed, or ignorance — will be prosecuted. There will be no immunity or exceptions,” the commissioner warned, urging the public to cut ties with criminal networks.
He appealed to residents to report suspicious activity, while reaffirming that the state’s security architecture was being strengthened to ensure the swift eradication of kidnapping threats.
