Military Floods Kwara Forests with Troops, Equipment to Crush Kidnappers
The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade, backed with heavy equipment, to raid forests across parts of Kwara South, in a renewed offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers terrorising rural communities.
PRNigeria gathered that troops have already commenced operations across Oke Ode and Babanla communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, with the mission expected to extend to Edu and Patigi councils in Kwara North.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday, the large-scale operation is designed to comb through thick forest belts that have served as hideouts for criminals launching attacks and abductions in the state.
Ajakaye disclosed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had recently met with President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation, seeking federal support for the state’s counter-banditry operations. He said the governor commended the President, the military high command, and other security agencies for their swift response.
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> “We will not spare any resources in supporting the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to secure lives and property,” the governor said in a statement welcoming the army deployment.
Governor AbdulRazaq added that the fresh military push, part of Operation Fasan Yanma, would help neutralise criminal elements and restore confidence among residents of affected communities.
> “We are upbeat that this operation will eliminate all forms of threats in Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the President and the security agencies for their efforts so far,” he stated.
The governor expressed confidence in the leadership of Brigadier General A. A. Babatunde, who is leading the new brigade, describing him as a committed officer capable of restoring peace across the state’s forest corridors.
He also appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division for their coordination and continued support in the renewed onslaught against banditry in the state.
