The Kwara State Government has issued a public safety advisory urging residents, especially those in border communities, to be vigilant and limit movement, as security operations against kidnappers intensify in parts of the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, called on residents of Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun Local Government Areas (LGAs) to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
The warning follows heightened military and police operations targeting kidnappers believed to be hiding in forested areas between Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State.
“We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines,” Olukoju said. “That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected.”
The commissioner acknowledged that the advisory may cause temporary inconvenience, but stressed that it was in the best interest of public safety.
She also commended the combined security forces for their ongoing operations and urged them to continue until the criminals are fully neutralised and flushed out of the area.
Over the past few months, several cases of kidnapping have been reported in Kwara and nearby states, prompting concerns over rising insecurity, particularly in rural and border communities.
In response, security agencies have launched coordinated raids across identified hotspots, especially thick forest regions believed to be used as operational bases by criminal gangs.
While some successes have been recorded in recent weeks, including the arrest of suspects and rescue of victims, the state government said more work remains to ensure long-term safety.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious movements to the nearest security post or local authorities and to avoid travelling alone in remote areas.
The Kwara government reassured the public that it is working closely with federal and state security agencies to bring an end to criminal activities in the region.
