Operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) have arrested two suspected members of a syndicate allegedly targeting heavy-duty trucks and construction materials after a gun duel in Zariagi, Kogi State.
The suspects, identified as Idris Muhammed, 38, and Musa Muktar, 33, were arrested at about 6am on Friday, October 23, following a two-week intelligence operation by the vigilante service.
The service said other suspected members of the syndicate escaped during the operation with gunshot wounds.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the KSVS Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, the suspects allegedly engaged operatives in a gun battle while attempting to evacuate suspected stolen items using a tricycle.
The statement said the two arrested men had confessed to the crime, although details of the alleged offences and the identities of other suspects were not disclosed.
The operation was carried out by operatives attached to the service’s Zariagi Command after what the KSVS described as an intensive intelligence-gathering exercise.
The Comptroller-General of the service, Ibrahim Usman Anataku, who was said to have participated in the intelligence build-up, commended the operatives for their vigilance and the successful operation.
Anataku also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support for the service, which he said had strengthened its operational capacity.
He urged residents to report anyone suspected of having fresh gunshot wounds to the nearest security formation, particularly in view of the suspects who reportedly escaped during the exchange of gunfire.
The KSVS chief also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking down the fleeing suspects.
He assured informants that information supplied to the service would be treated confidentially.
The arrest comes amid efforts by security operatives to tackle criminal activities targeting road users, commercial vehicles and construction materials in the state.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation to establish their alleged roles in the reported criminal activities.