Suspected kidnap syndicate arrested in Kogi

The Department of State Services’ Command has intensified efforts towards eliminating the threat of lives following the increase in kidnapping in Kogi State. This has resulted in the arrest of ten kidnap suspects within the last six weeks.

Recently at Koton-Karfe, Kogi LGA, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway, a gang of robbers/kidnappers in military combat uniform was arrested.
Those arrested include Haruna SALEH a.k.a AUTA (Leader), Kabiru Shaibu, Abdulmuminu Adamu and Tukur Shuiabu.
An on-the-spot search conducted on the suspects and their vehicle showed that they were in possession of three pairs of Army Camouflage uniforms, one locally made pistol, one locally made long barrel gun, seven pump action cartridges, a cutlass, a knife, fourteen handsets, a set of plate number (AG 556 BNG), three touch lights, one green coloured Gulf 3 vehicle with registration number KWL 946 FB and the sum of forty-six thousand, six hundred and seventy-five naira (N46,675), all of which were recovered from them.
During the investigation, the gang availed information to the existence of three unrecovered AK 47 and other weapons kept in a yet to identified location. Efforts are intensified for the recovery of these weapons.
They also disclosed the source of the military uniforms used during operations. This is already being investigated by appropriate security organizations in liaison with the Service.

Intelligence further revealed that the group has links with other kidnap syndicates operating in FCT, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger States.
The gang admitted to carrying out six different robbery/kidnap operations along the Minna-Kontagora road, Niger State, Malumfashi, Mararaba-Jos and Jaji-Zaria roads in Kaduna State.
It is pertinent to note that some of the perpetrators of crime, especially robbery and kidnapping in Kogi State include outsiders who use the state to further their nefarious acts due to its geographical/topographical peculiarities.
The service has reiterated its commitment to the diligent and appropriate prosecution of these suspects.
The Command has also assured of the continued collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state and its environs.
The command has warned all criminal elements to steer clear of the state as the service and indeed other security agencies have taken advantage of the renewed zeal of the state government’s support and partnership in ensuring law and order within and across the State.