•As troops dismantle seven bandits camps, rescue 16 victims
By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Government has ordered the relocation of residents of Ogbabon and Jakura communities in Lokoja Local Government Area, as part of proactive measures designed to enhance the success of a major security operation in both areas.
The Graphic Newspaper gathered that the move is also part of the strategy mapped out to effectively dislodge bandits that use local communities as human shield and logistics hub.
This is coming on the heels of a recent military offensive in the area aimed at defeating criminal elements.
Consequently , a combined team of security agencies were able to dismantle seven bandits camps and rescuere 16 kidnapped victims around Oshokoshoko community in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Code-named, “operation India” the air and ground operation, in one of such operations, had engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle which lasted for almost two hours.
In the end, several bandits were neutralized while others fled. Their camps were subsequently overran and destroyed during the joint operation.
Items recovered from the bandits included, 2,500 rounds of machine gun ammunitions, high velocity grenade, over 50 mobile phones and charms .
The Graphic Newspaper further learnt that the operation follows months of intelligence gathering and profiling of the activities of key bandit leaders operating in the state.
Speaking during a security briefing from heads of security agencies at Chari Megumeri Barrack in Lokoja, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustain the fight against criminals until they are completely defeated.
Governor Ododo commended the security agencies for the significant milestones recorded following the two weeks coordinated security operations that left more than seven bandits camps dismantled and 16 kidnapped victims rescued.
The Governor pointed out that his administration would not negotiate with the criminals ; just as he expressed optimism that with the high level of professionalism displayed by security personnel during the operation, “will rid them out of their various camps that they believe nobody can access”.
In his words, ” For over two weeks, these men were in the bushes , fighting these criminals and we thank God today that we are here to appraise the operations, to look at the challenges, the success so far, and to see where we need to address.
” And with the commitment, resilience and the high level of professionalism displayed in this very operation here in Kogi State , I can say, we still have gallant officers that are battle ready to defeat these criminals out of the country
” I want to sincerely appreciate all the security agencies for the synergy, the understanding and for coming together to work as a team. These military men took it upon themselves with courage to confront them head-on and today, those camps, over seven of them, have been destroyed and taken over by our men.
” They have out of their commitment and high level of professionalism, been able to free 16 victims unhurt. This is very key with the level of battles, exchanges of gunfire but they were able to rescue these victims without hurting them, I thank you most sincerely.
“They are not beyond us to confront, if you can access that camp called Batijo camp, there is no criminal camp as far as this country is concerned that our gallant officers can not access”. Governor Ododo added.
We are open to peace, but not peace by mere words. They must lay down their weapons before any consideration for pardon” the governor further declared.
During his visit to the Internally Displayed Persons ( IDP), camp in Zone 8 where some rescued individuals are being temporary kept pending investigation to determine their identities , the Governor further explained that the relocation of communities was one of the strategies tailored towards securing the communities from banditry attacks while dismantling their network in the area.
He also explained that the measure was aimed at cutting off the supply chain of criminal gangs operating within the forest areas.
