President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of a full army brigade to Kwara to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in the state.
The deployment comes as part of a renewed military operation targeting criminal hideouts across the forests of Kwara South and Kwara North.
According to the Kwara government, heavy military equipment and personnel have begun moving through communities in Oke-Ode and Babanla, both in Ifelodun local government area.
The operation, which extends to Edu and Patigi local government areas, aims to comb through thick forests that have served as bases for kidnappers launching attacks and abducting residents for ransom.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara said he met with Tinubu over the security situation on the sidelines of the president’s recent visit to Jos.
In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, his chief press secretary, on Wednesday, the governor commended the president, the military high command, and allied security agencies for their intervention.
The governor said: “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.
“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 the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led army brigade will succeed in this important task and clear the entire areas.”
The governor also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer commanding the 2nd Division for their roles in the renewed push to restore peace in the state.