Kogi cracks down on illegal trailer park, arrests suspects in security sweep

The Kogi State Government has begun clearing an illegal trailer park in New Zango, Abobo, Okehi Local Government Area after intelligence linked the site to criminal activities such as drug trafficking and other unlawful operations.

The operation, led by State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), was carried out by a joint security team that included personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security agencies.

Omodara said several suspects were arrested during the exercise and that security operatives recovered illegal substances and hard drugs from the location.

“The area had become a haven for criminal elements and a centre for illicit activities. Acting on credible intelligence, we mobilised security personnel to clear the site and restore order,” he said.

The adviser explained that the operation is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to tackle crime and strengthen public safety, particularly after the recent inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

He noted that the location was never officially designated as a trailer park and disclosed that all trailers occupying the area have been evacuated.

“We had earlier warned occupants and directed them to vacate the site. What is happening today is simply the enforcement of those directives,” he stated.

The security adviser further revealed that structures identified as suspected criminal hideouts within the area would be demolished to prevent a return of illegal activities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Omodara said security remains a top priority for the Ododo administration.

“We will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements wherever they are found. The safety of residents across Kogi State remains paramount,” he added.

He also commended residents for providing timely and credible intelligence that assisted security agencies in executing the operation successfully.

The clearance exercise is expected to continue as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across the state.