Hunters Nab Two Suspects Smuggling Supplies to Criminals in Kogi Forest

Hunters Nab Two Suspects Smuggling Supplies to Criminals in Kogi Forest

Hunters and vigilante operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State have arrested two suspects allegedly caught smuggling food items and other logistics to criminals hiding in the forest.

The suspects, identified as Abayo David and David Bori, both from Itedo-Ijowa, Isanlu in Yagba East LGA, were apprehended around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday during a routine patrol.

According to a statement by Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Yagba West Local Government Council, the arrest followed a directive from the Council Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, banning the sale and transportation of food, fuel, and other supplies to criminal elements operating within and around the area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting food and materials intended for their collaborators in the bush. Their accomplices reportedly fled the scene but are currently being tracked by security operatives.

Commending the hunters and the Joint Task Force for their vigilance, Hon. Olokun reiterated the council’s commitment to cutting off all forms of support and logistics to criminal groups.

He recalled a recent incident where a commercial motorcyclist working for bandits was killed while attempting to deliver supplies in the forest after encountering a rival gang being pursued by security forces.

The Chairman warned that aiding or collaborating with criminals endangers lives and undermines government efforts to restore peace. He further cautioned petroleum marketers, food vendors, and transporters against selling or conveying goods in bulk to the forest, stressing that offenders will face severe legal consequences.

Hon. Olokun urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements, emphasizing that sustained cooperation between citizens and security agencies is vital to maintaining peace.

He also noted that recent joint military operations in Yagba West have achieved significant results, with several criminal hideouts dismantled and the security situation improving steadily.