Army Arrest 20 Notorious Suspected Criminals in Kogi

By Itodo Daniel Sule

The combined forces of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have arrested 20 suspected notorious criminals that have been terrorising the people of Kogi State through its Clearance Operation code named “Operation 777”.

Acting Director, Defence Information of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Brig Gen. John Agim disclosed this on Saturday at the Command Army Records, Lokoja, while briefing journalists on the activities of the Clearance Operation which was launched on October 8, 2018 to combat criminal activities across the country.

He said the suspects were arrested following the intensity of offensive operations launched across the three senatorial districts of the state which led to the recovery of illegal arms which include 7 locally fabricated guns, one AK 47 rifle, two magazines and 45 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The Army Spokesman said prominent amongst those arrested was one Eleme Salihu who had been a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Itobe axis in Ofu LGA of the state.

According to him, prior to the launch of Operation 777 on December 8, 2018 by the Defence Headquarters, there was a large scale security threats across Kogi State such as armed robbery, insurgent activities, kidnapping, cattle rustling, thuggery, cultism and boundary disputes which had led to loss of lives, property and disruption of socioeconomic activities.

“Through the renew vigor and determination of the troops in this special operation, relative peace have been restored and hence, the troops dominate the operating environment, thereby creating safe and conducive atmosphere for socio-economic activities to thrive.

“Local traders, motorists, travellers and residents of villages/settlements in these general areas are now conducting their business unmolested”, he said.

He said the troop foiled several kidnapping attempts and had intensified confidence building through patrols, show of force, blocking operations as well as cordon and search, which he noted had yielded positive results within the period under review.

Gen. Agim while calling on youth in the state to desist from political thuggery and other actions that would lead to breach of peace and security, urged members of the public to always avail the security agencies with information that would lead to prevention and fight against crimes.

Kogi State Security Adviser, Retired Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, who commended the Army for successes recorded by the operation in the state, assured that the state government would continue to give the necessary supports to ensure the state remains crime free.

He said the government would ensure prevalence of peaceful and secured atmosphere across the state ahead of the forthcoming festive season and all the activities heralding the 2019 general elections.

Omodara on behalf of the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent loss of its men while on the line of duty fighting insurgency in Borno State.