The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State has dealt a major blow to criminal networks operating in the region, with the arrest of Owoloja Femi, Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Ejiba Branch, for allegedly supplying hard drugs to armed bandits.
The arrest, confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary of Yagba West LGA, Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, highlights the systematic role of civilian intermediaries in sustaining banditry, a menace that has left communities in terror across the state.
Owoloja was apprehended around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday during a routine patrol at Odo-Eri, along Saminaka Road, while transporting illicit substances meant for criminal gangs hiding in forest enclaves. His accomplices reportedly abandoned him after offloading two cartons of hard drugs before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Investigations revealed that the suspect sourced the drugs from a chemist in Egbe and admitted to supplying criminal elements with operational funds. ₦600,000 was recovered from him, believed to be either proceeds of the trade or payment for the ongoing supply chain.
Security sources say the arrest exposes a wider, organised network supplying drugs to bandits—a network that thrives due to political protection, lax enforcement, and local complicity. Authorities are intensifying efforts to identify all collaborators and dismantle the entire chain.
The Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and Kogi ALGON Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, praised the swift action of the JTF and warned that anyone found supporting or facilitating banditry will face uncompromising prosecution.
Yagba West, strategically located with porous borders, has become a sanctuary for criminals fleeing pressure in Kwara and Niger States. Security analysts warn that without strict measures against both supply chains and complicit civilians, banditry will continue to escalate.
Kogi State authorities have increased intelligence operations, tightened surveillance, and boosted the morale of security operatives to make the area increasingly hostile to criminals. “This arrest is a warning to all who think they can profit from terror and lawlessness,” a source said.
JTF Arrest of Okada Union Chairman Exposes Deep Drug-Bandit Nexus in Yagba West
