Police Arrest 239 Suspects for Various Crimes, Recover Firearms in Kogi
In a sweeping crackdown on criminal networks threatening public safety, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 239 suspects involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, homicide, rape, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, described the arrests as part of an intensified, statewide operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements and restoring peace across Kogi’s vulnerable communities.
“Through robust intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations, our officers have dismantled several cells of armed robbers, kidnappers, and other violent offenders,” CP Dantawaye declared.
Of the suspects, 66 were arrested for armed robbery, 75 for kidnapping, and 18 in connection with murder. Others include 21 suspects involved in rape cases, 21 apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms, six linked to cult activities, and 49 arrested for various other serious offenses.
Among the arsenal recovered were five AK-47 rifles, two AK-49s, nine magazines, over 400 rounds of assorted live ammunition—including 7.62x39mm and 5.56mm bullets—alongside pump-action shotguns, locally fabricated pistols, revolver barrels, and used cartridges. The sheer volume of weapons suggests the extent to which criminal groups had embedded themselves within the state.
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“These weapons were intended to wreak havoc. Removing them from circulation is a major victory for law enforcement and the public,” CP Dantawaye emphasized.
The Commissioner highlighted the ongoing training of officers under the “Refresher Combat Operation Course 7,” aimed at improving tactical awareness, operational discipline, and community responsiveness. He said these efforts form part of a broader crime prevention strategy that includes highway patrols, raids on identified hideouts, and aggressive stop-and-search operations.
In line with the Inspector General of Police’s community policing framework, CP Dantawaye noted that the Command has stepped up engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, and other grassroots stakeholders.
“Our success is tied to community trust and cooperation,” he said. “We’re creating safer spaces, but we need residents to share information, remain vigilant, and support our mission.”
As criminal syndicates continue to evolve, the Commissioner called on the public to play a proactive role in the fight against insecurity.
“I urge all Kogites—whether traditional leaders, market associations, farmers, herders, or youth groups—to stand with us. Security is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is essential to keeping our communities safe,” he appealed.
The Command’s latest achievements come at a time when concerns over kidnapping and banditry have dominated national discourse. With visible efforts on the ground and increasing community collaboration, Kogi State may be turning the tide against insecurity.
By PRNigeria
