Sustained military air and ground operations across parts of Kwara State have forced armed bandits to flee their forest hideouts.

The coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the developments to LEADERSHIP.

it was gathered that the military operations resulted in the destruction of several criminal camps and the neutralisation of an undisclosed number of terrorists.

Zubair said that the offensives targeted major bandit enclaves in Baba Sango forest and other forests spanning Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi local government areas of the State.

He said that intelligence reports confirmed that many of the fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries.

Elder Zubair, however, reported a fresh kidnap incident along the Idofin–Odo Aga–Olla Road, where two women and a young boy were abducted by suspected bandits.

“One elderly woman has been released, another escaped, but the young boy remains in captivity. Security agencies are intensifying efforts to ensure his safe rescue,” he said.

He 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 the esidents 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 added.

(LEADERSHIP)