Army moves to clear Kwara forest of kidnappers
The Nigerian Army 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 across the state.
The deployment, which commenced on Wednesday, 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 times.
According to eyewitnesses in Oke Ode, military trucks and armoured vehicles were sighted 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.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State Governor, who confirmed the development in a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, his Chief Press Secretary, 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.
“We are upbeat that this operation, as part of Operation Fasan Yanma, will eliminate all forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the President and the security agencies for their efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people,” he added.
He also lauded the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division, and other senior officers for their coordinated response.
The military operation is expected to continue until all identified criminal enclaves in the forests are completely dismantled.
