Nigerian Army commences operation to rid Kwara forests of kidnappers
The Nigerian Army said it has deployed a full brigade and heavy combat equipment to parts of Kwara State as part of renewed efforts to dislodge kidnappers and criminal gangs operating from forests in parts of the state.
Kwara Focus was told that the deployment began on Wednesday, and covers communities in Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, extending to Edu and Patigi councils, where criminal elements have carried out abductions and violent attacks in recent months.
Residents said they saw military trucks and armoured vehicles moving through the town early in the morning, heading towards the dense forest areas believed to be hideouts of the kidnappers.
The latest operation is part of Operation Fasan Yanma, a broader military offensive aimed at restoring peace and safety in the North-Central zone.
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Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who confirmed the development in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army for the swift response to the state’s security challenges.
The governor stated that he had earlier met with President Tinubu on the matter during the President’s weekend visit to Jos, where he sought federal support to address the worsening insecurity in rural communities.
“We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the security of lives and properties,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq expressed confidence that the newly deployed Brigade, led by Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, would successfully clear the forests and restore calm to the affected areas.