The Nigerian Army has finalized plans to launch sustained operations targeting criminal gangs in forest hideouts across Kwara North and South Senatorial Districts, according to a government statement released on Sunday.
The statement, issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, spokesperson for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, revealed that newly trained forest guards will participate in the operations targeting isolated areas that have become fortresses for criminal elements.
"The operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care would be taken to prevent the violent elements from hibernating elsewhere," the statement explained.
Government Collaboration with National Security Adviser
The Kwara State government has been working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to address security threats in parts of the state, particularly in identified settlements across Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.
While acknowledging community concerns, the government emphasized that "sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success."
Governor Meets with Stakeholders
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has briefed key stakeholders from the Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the government's efforts to eliminate criminal gangs responsible for violent crimes in the region.
The meeting, held in Ilorin, was attended by leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants' Development Union (LADDU) headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi. The governor acknowledged community concerns and reassured attendees of the government-led multi-stakeholder response to the situation.
Recent Security Incident
According to sources who spoke to BenriNews, a combined team of soldiers and vigilantes was ambushed on Thursday while returning from a clearance operation in Lata Nna. The team had been conducting raids on bandits' hideouts, rescuing kidnap victims, and destroying camps based on credible intelligence.
"However, on their way back after the operation and rescue mission, they ran into an ambush, and an unspecified number of vigilantes were reportedly killed or missing," the source revealed.
While the exact casualty figures remain unclear, a follow-up expedition on Saturday reportedly led to the recovery of some bodies.
The planned military operation comes as part of broader efforts to address growing security concerns in the affected communities and restore peace to the troubled regions.
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