Army arrests 20 suspected criminals in Kogi

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

The acting Director, Defence Information of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Brig Gen. John Agim disclosed this yesterday 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 crime 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 seven locally fabricated guns, one AK 47 rifle, two magazines and 45 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The Army spokesman said prominent among those arrested was one Eleme Salihu, who had been a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Itobe axis in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, prior to the launch of Operation 777 by the Defence Headquarters, there was large scale security threat across Kogi State in the form of armed robbery, insurgent activities, kidnapping, cattle rustling, thuggery, cultism and boundary disputes which 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 has been restored.

“Local traders, motorists, travellers and residents of villages/ settlements in these general areas are now conducting their businesses without any problem”, he said.

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

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