Military airstrikes rock bandit camps in Kwara

The Nigerian military has launched coordinated air and ground operations against bandit and kidnapper enclaves in parts of Kwara State, targeting hideouts across Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas.

The sustained offensive, which involves aerial bombardment supported by ground troop maneuvers, has led to the destruction of several camps and the neutralisation of numerous suspected bandits operating along the Kwara–Niger axis.

The operation reportedly struck notorious camps located in the Baba Sango axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Gbugbu forest in Edu Local Government Area, and Lata community in Patigi Local Government Area.

Preliminary security reports from the theatre of operations indicate that the sustained assault has thrown the criminal elements into disarray, forcing them to flee from their established hideouts while suffering heavy casualties. The offensive has also displaced the bandits from their positions.

According to the report, the ongoing operations have destroyed many of the camps used by the criminal groups. Several of the bandits and terrorists were neutralised, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds and other serious injuries.

READ ALSO:Terrorists abduct passengers on busy Kwara highway

The military operation is aimed at dismantling the logistics networks, leadership structures and operational bases of kidnapping and terror gangs that have long terrorised communities in the affected areas.

However, security authorities have expressed concern over the activities of informants and collaborators within local communities, warning that such individuals are undermining the effectiveness of the operation by leaking information about troop movements.

The security report noted that operations are being impeded by the activities of moles and informants who provide advance information on military movements to the criminal groups.

Military authorities have therefore appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies by identifying and exposing individuals who aid criminal elements.

Community leaders in the affected local government areas have also been urged to sensitise residents on the dangers of shielding criminals, stressing that such actions prolong insecurity and endanger innocent lives.

As of the time of filing this report, military operations were still ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing terrorists and expanding clearance efforts across surrounding forests and border communities.

Security officials assured residents that the military remains committed to restoring peace in the region and flushing out all criminal elements, while calling for timely and credible intelligence from the public to ensure lasting success.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)