THE Nigeria Police Force says a coordinated security operation in Kogi and Kwara states has resulted in the rescue of 309 abducted persons, the arrest of 129 suspected terrorists, and the killing of 55 others.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this today during an interview with newsmen. He explained that those killed died during armed confrontations with security operatives, stressing that the incidents were not extrajudicial actions.
Hundeyin said the suspects who were neutralised chose to engage security forces rather than surrender, even after some members of their groups had already been arrested. He added that the rescued hostages were freed during sustained operations carried out across both states.
According to the police spokesman, the success of the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and careful planning involving several security agencies.
He added that the operation was executed by multiple police units, including the Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, and the Air Wing, working alongside the military and other security services.
He noted further that operatives faced challenging terrain, with dense forests and limited road access, making aerial support necessary.
Despite these difficulties, Hundeyin confirmed that no casualties were recorded among security personnel.
The police assured Nigerians that the operation is ongoing and will be sustained.
Hundeyin assured that security forces would continue to target identified bandit and terrorist enclaves, describing the offensive as only the beginning of a broader effort to restore safety in the affected areas.
The multi-agency operation reportedly began over the weekend, with aerial surveillance showing the dismantling of criminal hideouts in forested locations across the two states.