Operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), Zariagi Command, have arrested two suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in robbing heavy-duty trucks and stealing materials belonging to construction companies.

The suspects, identified as Idris Muhammed, 38, and Musa Muktar, 33, were arrested on October 23 at about 6 a.m. following a two-week intelligence-gathering operation.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the KSVS Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, the suspects and their alleged accomplices engaged the operatives in a gun duel while attempting to evacuate suspected stolen items with a tricycle.

The statement disclosed that some members of the gang escaped during the encounter with gunshot wounds, while the two arrested suspects had reportedly confessed to the crime.

The Comptroller-General of the KSVS, Ibrahim Usman Anataku, who was personally involved in the intelligence operation, commended the operatives for their vigilance and commitment, which led to the arrests.

Anataku also commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support and encouragement, which he said had contributed to the operational successes of the service.

He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest security formation.

The comptroller-general further appealed to residents to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could help security agencies track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the alleged criminal syndicate.

He assured members of the public that information supplied to the service, as well as the identities of informants, would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The KSVS reiterated its commitment to supporting security operations and protecting lives and property across Kogi State.