Member representing Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has highlighted the efforts of a local security initiative he says has been instrumental in responding to bandit attacks and rescuing kidnapped victims in his constituency.

During an interview on Channels Television, on Thursday, 11 June, 2026, the lawmaker spoke on rising insecurity in parts of Kogi State and outlined how the community-driven security group has been engaging armed assailants operating in rural areas.

"They Came in few days ago to pick a woman and her daughter. The name of our own squad is lion squad. Lion squad went after them and they dealt with them and rescued the woman and the baby."
He explained that the initiative which he described as “Lion Squad,” was established to respond swiftly to kidnappings and bandit incursions adding that the group has recorded successes in tracking down attackers and rescuing abducted residents.

Abejide further urged other political and community leaders in affected regions to adopt similar grassroots security approaches arguing that local intelligence and rapid response mechanisms are crucial in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

The development comes amid continued concerns over kidnappings and banditry in parts of North Central Nigeria where communities have increasingly resorted to local vigilante structures to complement formal security agencies operating in the region.