The Nigerian military has intensified its operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Kwara State, launching coordinated air strikes and ground assaults on criminal hideouts in several local government areas. The operations, which are still ongoing, have targeted terrorist camps in Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to reports from the affected communities, several terrorists and kidnappers were neutralised during the offensive, while many others fled with injuries as their camps were destroyed by the military.
The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, in an official statement made available to journalists.
Mr Ajakaye said the military action was part of a broader effort to restore peace and security to parts of Kwara State that have come under repeated attacks by bandits and kidnappers in recent years.
He explained that the operation involved both air strikes and ground troops working together to flush out criminal elements hiding in forested areas and remote communities.
“The ongoing air strikes and ground operations have successfully targeted terrorist camps across the affected areas,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the military offensive hit bandits’ hideouts in Baba Sango area of Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Gbugbu axis of Edu Local Government Area, and Lata community in Patigi Local Government Area.
“These operations were carried out under Operation India,” the statement added. “The coordinated action forced the terrorists to abandon several positions.”
Security sources said the combination of air power and ground forces dealt a major blow to the criminals, who had been using the difficult terrain and forest cover to carry out attacks and evade arrest.
“It is obvious that Operation India has thrown the bandits into disarray and displaced them from their hideouts,” the statement noted.
Residents in the affected areas reported hearing loud explosions and gunfire as military aircraft struck suspected camps, while soldiers advanced on foot and by vehicle to clear the locations.
Many of the terrorist camps were reportedly destroyed during the operation, with several bandits sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Some of the criminals were said to have escaped deeper into the forest, abandoning weapons, food supplies and other items.
The military, however, expressed concern over the activities of informants and collaborators within some communities, noting that such actions had affected the effectiveness of the operations.
According to the statement, some individuals have been providing advance information to the terrorists about troop movements and planned operations.
“These informants provide advance information on troop movements, thereby hampering the effectiveness of the operation,” the statement said.
Security officials warned that the activities of such moles not only endanger the lives of soldiers but also prolong insecurity in the affected communities.
The military urged residents of Edu, Ifelodun, Patigi and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious movements and individuals.
“Community cooperation is critical,” the statement stressed. “Residents must speak up and expose those aiding criminals with information.”
Kwara State, which was once considered relatively peaceful, has in recent years faced growing security challenges, especially in its northern and eastern parts. Forests in Edu, Patigi and Ifelodun have reportedly been used by bandits and kidnappers fleeing from military pressure in neighbouring states.
These criminal groups have been linked to cases of kidnapping for ransom, attacks on travellers, and raids on farming communities. Many residents have been forced to abandon their farms, leading to reduced agricultural activities and economic hardship.
The Kwara State Government has repeatedly expressed concern over the spread of banditry into the state and has worked with federal security agencies to contain the threat.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has on several occasions assured residents that his administration is committed to supporting security agencies with logistics, intelligence and community engagement to end criminal activities.
Operation India, under which the current offensive is being carried out, is part of the military’s wider strategy to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across different parts of the country.
However, experts also warn that military action alone may not be enough if communities continue to harbour or support criminals.
“Once criminals get information ahead of time, they simply move away and return later,” he said. “That is why community support is very important.”
Residents of the affected communities have expressed mixed feelings over the operation. While many welcomed the military action and praised the government for responding to their security concerns, others called for greater protection for civilians during the operations.
Some farmers in Patigi and Edu said they hoped the military presence would allow them to return safely to their farms.
“We just want peace so that we can farm and take care of our families,” a farmer in Lata community said.
The military has assured residents that efforts are being made to protect civilians and avoid harm to innocent people during the operations.
Security forces also warned that anyone found aiding terrorists or kidnappers would face the full weight of the law.
As the air strikes and ground operations continue, residents have been advised to remain calm but alert, and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
The Kwara State Government reiterated its call for unity and cooperation, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
With several terrorist camps destroyed and criminals forced out of their hideouts, authorities say the latest operation is a major step toward restoring peace in Kwara State. However, they also acknowledged that sustained efforts and community involvement will be needed to ensure lasting security in the region.