Security Forces Crush K!dnapping Gang in Kogi State, Two K!lled, Three Arrested

A joint security operation has smashed a kidnapping gang that was terrorizing motorists and commuters in Kogi State.

The operation was carried out by a combined team of the Army, Police, Vigilantes, and local hunters. It targeted the gang operating along the Ejule-Ochadamu-Itobe highway and Abocho axis in Ofu and Dekina Local Government Areas.

The breakthrough came when security forces arrested a suspect named Bashir Abdul Atama in Aloji community. He is said to be the son of a popular cleric in the area.

During interrogation, Atama confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang. He admitted to taking part in several kidnappings along the Itobe-Ochadamu-Ejule highway, including the operation that led to the killing of the APC Divisional Chairman in Dekina LGA, Yunusa Ishaq.

Based on information from Atama, security forces carried out further operations. During these operations:

· Hassan Okpiekele was ki!led in Aloji
· Kabiru Alkali was ki!!ed in Abocho

Two other suspects were also arrested, including Newman Sanni, who was described as the gang leader. Sanni was allegedly a close friend of the late APC chairman and reportedly attended his burial while pretending to be a mourner.

Security operatives are still looking for three other gang members who escaped. One of them was identified as Muhammed Akubo (also known as Onuche Awol), said to be an ex-soldier.

The gang was accused of terrorizing motorists along the Ejule-Ochadamu-Itobe highway and Abocho axis. Their latest operation reportedly happened on September 23, 2026, when a mother and her four children were kidnapped while returning from a burial ceremony along the Abocho-Ajekeleaga road.