NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Notorious Kidnap Kingpin ‘Maidawa’ in Kwara Forests
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated a notorious kidnap kingpin, popularly known as Maidawa, along with several of his fighters, in a series of sustained air bombardments on criminal hideouts in Kwara State.
The Kwara State Government, through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye, confirmed on Thursday that Maidawa and his gang members were neutralized in the Isanlu-Isin forests during coordinated security operations on September 30.
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According to the statement, intelligence gathered from intercepted communications among the criminals confirmed Maidawa’s death. The news was reportedly relayed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, identified as Baccujo, during a conversation along the Igboro-Idofin road. The communication was later traced to a wider criminal network based in Marabar Maigora, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“Security forces, spurred by renewed calls from the state government for urgent intervention, have intensified efforts to dislodge kidnappers who frequently attack communities and abduct civilians for ransom,” the statement noted.
The government added that the ongoing operations are being phased to cover all areas affected by recent bandit attacks, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.
The military offensive, which also extends into parts of neighboring Kogi State, forms part of a broader push by security agencies to dismantle bandit and kidnap networks across north-central Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
