The Nigerian military has launched coordinated airstrikes and ground operations targeting suspected bandit and kidnapper hideouts across parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
The ongoing offensive has reportedly destroyed several criminal camps and neutralised numerous suspected bandits. Sources told SaharaReporters that key targets included notorious camps in the Baba Sango axis of Ifelodun LGA, the Gbugbu forest in Edu LGA, and the Lata community in Patigi LGA.
Preliminary security reports from the theatre of operations indicate that the sustained military assault has thrown the criminal groups into disarray, forcing many to abandon their hideouts while suffering heavy casualties. Several terrorists were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds and other serious injuries.
The operation, which combines aerial bombardment with coordinated ground troop manoeuvres, is aimed at dismantling the logistics networks, leadership structures, and operational bases of terror and kidnapping gangs that have long plagued communities along the Kwara–Niger axis.
Security sources confirmed that multiple bandit camps were completely destroyed during the strikes, significantly weakening the operational capacity of the criminal elements in the region.
However, the military has raised concerns over the activities of informants and collaborators within local communities, warning that the leakage of information on troop movements is undermining the effectiveness of the operation.
Military authorities have therefore called on residents of the affected areas to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies by identifying and exposing individuals who aid criminal groups. Community leaders have also been urged to sensitise residents on the dangers of shielding criminals, noting that such actions prolong insecurity and endanger innocent lives.
As of the time of filing this report, military operations were ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing terrorists and expanding clearance operations across surrounding forests and border communities.
Security officials reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the region and appealed for timely and credible intelligence from the public to ensure lasting security.
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