Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested an undisclosed number of people involved in the supply of food and fuel to persons linked to various acts of kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
Also arrested, was a man from Makurdi who specialises in fixing weapons for kidnappers in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kwara state, CP Adekimi Ojo made the disclosure on Friday while addressing reporters after a security council meeting with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Addressing journalists during a Council meeting, Adekimi said the meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.”
He said, “The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.
“The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.”
Continuing, he said, “The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.
“The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today.
“As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the Council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.
“The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.
“The meeting urges citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urges citizens to promptly report suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.
