The Nigerian Army is set to begin a major security operation in the forests of Kwara State to dislodge criminal gangs terrorizing parts of the North and South Senatorial Districts.
This move was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. According to him, the operation will involve newly trained forest guards and will focus on isolated areas identified as hideouts for bandits and kidnappers.
The state government said the planned action is in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, targeting violent gangs in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.
“These operations will force the criminals out of their hiding places and restore peace in affected communities. Measures will also be taken to stop them from relocating to new areas,” the statement said.
Governor Abdulrazaq has also met with key stakeholders from the Lafiagi area in Kwara North to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the region. The meeting, held in Ilorin, was attended by members of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), led by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.
The governor assured residents that the government is fully committed to ending insecurity in the state. “No one can dismiss the concerns of our people,” he said, “but dealing with security threats requires careful planning and joint action for long-term peace.”
However, the renewed military efforts come amid reports of an ambush on a joint team of soldiers and vigilantes on Thursday. The team had just finished a clearance mission in Lata Nna, where they raided bandit camps and rescued kidnap victims, when they were attacked while returning.
Sources say some vigilantes were killed or declared missing in the ambush, though exact figures are yet to be confirmed. A follow-up operation on Saturday led to the recovery of some bodies in the area.
The government says it will continue to work with security agencies to rid the state of violent groups and ensure the safety of residents.
