Hunters and vigilante officials of Yagba West local government area of Kogi state, on Wednesday, apprehended two natives who were allegedly 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. by security operatives during a routine patrol.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Yagba West local government council, Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, their arrest followed the directive issued by the Council Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, prohibiting the sale and transportation of food items, petroleum products and other supplies to criminal elements operating within and around the local government.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying food and other materials intended for their collaborators in the bush. Their accomplices, who fled the scene, are currently being tracked by security operatives,” the statement explained.
The Executive Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of Kogi State ALGON, Hon. Tosin Olokun, commended the hunters and the Joint Task Force for their vigilance and swift response.
He reiterated the council’s firm commitment to cutting off all forms of support and logistics to criminal networks operating in the area.
Hon. Olokun recalled that only last week, an okada rider who was working for a bandit group met his untimely death while attempting to deliver supplies to them in the forest.
According to reports, he fell into the hands of a rival bandit group that was being pursued by men of the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base, Egbe, and Yagba West Local Government Hunters and Vigilantes following a cattle rustling incident, leading to his tragic death.
The Chairman warned that such acts of disobedience and collaboration with criminal elements not only endanger individual lives but also sabotage the collective security efforts of government and law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to restore peace.
Hon. Olokun issued a strong warning to all petroleum marketers, food vendors, and transport operators to desist from selling or conveying goods in bulk to the forest or face severe legal consequences.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or movements to the appropriate authorities, stressing that the fight against insecurity demands the cooperation, intelligence, and patriotism of all citizens.
Hon. Olokun further noted that the recent joint military operation launched in Yagba West had recorded tremendous success, with several criminal hideouts dismantled and the security situation greatly improved. He reaffirmed that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, will sustain the tempo until lasting peace and stability are fully restored across all communities.
