Operatives of the Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria, Vigilante Group has killed 11 terror bandits and arrested others including a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative.
The operation where the suspects were caught was carried out on Saturday at Koton Karfe Local Government Area (LGA) of the State where three kidnapped victims were also rescued.
It was part of the security manhunt for kidnappers who operated in Kabba LGA where the terror bandits killed some soldiers and released prisoners being held at the Kabba Medium Correctional Centre.
Sources said that the arrested NSCDC operative, identified as Inspector Saidu, was alleged to have alongside his friend, supplied weapons and information to the criminals.
Saidu and four others arrested were said to be detained at the Department of State Services’ (SSS) facility.
According to sources, the gang’s ring leader identified as Alaidi, Rabo and seven others were killed during an attack on the bandits’ first camp by security agents, while Madei and another suspect were killed in a second camp.
A certain Umar was said to have fled with gunshot injuries but was later apprehended.
Sources said operatives were on the trail of the kidnappers and were hopeful that those kidnapped would also regain freedom.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, said the success recorded was proof that the security architecture of Kogi State was strong enough to quash all forms of criminal vices.
He said that Local Vigilantes across the State had continued to record good results because of the morale boost and support the Governor had continued to give as well as the cooperation from the citizens and synergy between the security operatives.
The CPS said efforts of the government were yielding remarkable results, reiterating the governor’s avowed commitment to secure lives and property of the people and making the state inhabitable for criminal elements.