The senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Sunday Karimi, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for partnering with the Joint Task Force and vigilantes to rid his senatorial district of kidnappers and criminal elements.
The senator equally demanded the safe rescue of Ajayi Bello, a prominent livestock farmer kidnapped and still in captivity for the last two weeks.
The senator’s commendation followed the recent alarm he raised on the floor of the Senate on the rise in kidnappings and the possible politically-motivated criminality to destabilise his zone.
According to Karimi, the sustained operations are essential to achieving lasting security, and the effectiveness of vigilantes rests on actionable intelligence provided by the DSS.
He emphasised that this synergy has been instrumental in the recent decimation of criminal networks operating in Kogi West.
The senator, while commending the effort of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in ensuring strategic synergy between security organisations and local vigilantes nationwide, called for immediate legislation for the formation of the forest guards as planned by the President.
Senator Karimi’s remarks align with recent statements from Kogi State’s security leadership, including special adviser on Security Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), who has vowed to root out banditry and kidnapping from the state’s forests.
Omodara recently disclosed that strategic measures are already in place to fortify border security and enhance community-based vigilance, urging residents to support local security efforts with timely intelligence.
The senator also reiterated his call for continued cooperation among all security agencies, underscoring the need for a unified approach to safeguard Kogi West.
His advocacy reflects growing public demand for decisive action, following reports of over 30 abductions in the district within a single week, a situation he previously described as a “coordinated assault on peace.”
“With the DSS deepening intelligence operations, vigilante groups gaining stronger operational support, and the Joint Task Force maintaining an aggressive posture, Kogi West is witnessing a renewed push to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore stability,” he added.
