Authorities in Kogi State have uncovered a troubling network of local vendors allegedly supporting kidnapping gangs by supplying them with vital resources such as food, water, and fuel in forested hideouts across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the discovery followed recent security raids in the Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West local government areas.
These operations were triggered by a rise in abductions, including the killing of a retired military officer from Odo-Ape and the kidnapping of a well-known farmer in Ponyan.
Several hostages have since been freed, Fanwo confirmed.
One of the key breakthroughs came with the arrest of Babatunde Aledare from Ayetoro Kiri, who is accused of acting as an informant for the kidnappers.
His confession reportedly unveiled a wider network of collaborators, leading to a string of arrests within a 48-hour span.
“Evidence points to some bread sellers and sachet water factories supplying food and water directly to kidnappers in forest hideouts,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner revealed that commercial motorcyclists often served as go-betweens, transporting supplies from vendors to the criminal elements.
Additionally, certain petrol stations were implicated for selling fuel in containers, which were then delivered to the kidnappers.
“This network has allowed kidnapping gangs to remain embedded in remote areas for extended periods, making them harder to dislodge,” Fanwo added.
The state government also voiced concern over the death of Samson Enietan, identified as a significant informant whose involvement had recently come to light.
While initial accounts pointed to suicide, officials now suspect he may have been silenced by fellow conspirators seeking to prevent further revelations.
Warning of stiff penalties, Fanwo stressed that anyone caught aiding kidnapping rings, whether knowingly or not, would be prosecuted.
“No one, regardless of their status, will be spared if found guilty,” he said, urging citizens and businesses alike to desist from supporting criminal elements, whether out of fear, financial gain, or ignorance.
