"Military Escalates Operations in Kwara South, Leading to Three Abductions"

Armed bandits, Tuesday morning kidnapped three people in Kwara South Senatorial District even as the Nigerian Army intensifies clearance operations in the area to flush them out, DAILY POST reports.

The incident occurred between Idofin Odo-Aga and Olla road, in Irepodun and Isin Local Government Areas of the state.

The three victims included an elderly woman of about 90 years, a middle-aged woman and a young boy.

The kidnap took place in a cashew farm where the people were picking cashew nuts.

Reports said the elderly woman was said to have been dropped when she complained that she could no longer trek while the other woman reportedly escaped from the bandits.

The only victim in the captivity of the criminals is said to be the young boy.

Reacting to the development, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch, in Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, said, “We had cautioned against visiting cashew farms without informing local security operatives like Forest Guards, Hunters and Vigilantes, especially after recent incidents in the area.

“Let’s hope this serves as a reminder for increased vigilance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kwara forests are now under clearance operations as the military offensive continues to send bandits on the run.

According to security sources “the sustained military air and ground operations across parts of Kwara State have forced armed bandits to flee their forest hideouts, leading to the destruction of several criminal camps and the neutralisation of over 100 terrorists.”

Zubair Olaitan, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the ongoing security operation code-named “Operation India.”

According to him, the offensive targets major bandit enclaves in Baba Sango forest and other forests spanning Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas, where airstrikes and ground bombardments were carried out by the military in collaboration with other security agencies.

He revealed that intelligence reports confirmed that many of the fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, with six of them currently receiving treatment at Omu-Aran General Hospital, while others were believed to have relocated towards the Isapa axis of Ekiti Local Government Area.

The Joint Security Watch Coordinator commended the Forest Guards in Ekiti and Oke-Ero Local Government Areas for their swift response and bravery in repelling bandits and preventing their movement into the communities.

“Their vigilance and courage have played a vital role in securing Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs and blocking the infiltration of fleeing criminals,” he added.

He urged residents of Kwara South and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or strange faces in their areas.

“The bandits may attempt to regroup in new locations. Community alertness is critical at this time as authorities continue operations to restore lasting peace across the state,” Zubair stated.

Security agencies have assured residents of sustained military presence in the affected forests until all criminal elements are flushed out and normalcy is fully restored.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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