Category: Security

…Approves N100m Support for Edu and Patigi Heroes

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented cheques worth N80 million to the families of forest guards and vigilantes who lost their lives in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin areas of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.

The Governor also announced an additional N100 million support package for the families of men from Edu and Patigi who were killed in an ambush by kidnappers in July while defending their communities.

Speaking during the presentation in Ilorin at the weekend, Governor AbdulRazaq praised the courage and patriotism of the fallen heroes, describing them as men who gave their lives for the safety of others.

“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service, and the government cannot but sympathise with the families,” he said. “We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of our state and our country. As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We will keep supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”

Those present at the ceremony included Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Chairman of Ilorin West, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Ladan; Chairman of Asa, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya; and family members of the deceased.

In their remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Yusuf commended the Governor’s compassionate gesture, saying it would bring relief to the bereaved families. They also praised his determination to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the state government has supplied additional logistics support, including motorcycles and fighting equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes stationed in flashpoint communities. The new resources are expected to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in ongoing joint operations with security agencies to secure the state.

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade, supported by heavy equipment, to parts of Kwara State in a renewed onslaught against kidnappers operating from the forests.

Troops and machinery were on Wednesday seen moving through communities in Ifelodun Local Government, particularly around Oke Ode and Babanla, ahead of intensified operations. The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi local governments, where dense forests have served as hideouts for kidnappers staging attacks and abductions for ransom.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had raised the matter with President Bola Tinubu over the weekend during a visit to Jos, commended the President for approving the deployment and the military high command for their intervention.

“We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and properties,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

He expressed confidence that the operation, being conducted under Operation Fasan Yanma, would clear out all threats in the affected areas. “We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and restore lasting calm,” the governor added.

AbdulRazaq also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army for their continued support.

The deployment follows weeks of coordinated attacks by kidnappers in Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, which left several residents dead and many abducted.

…Meets Edu, Patigi Leaders Following Attacks, Vows Support for Victims

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has revealed plans to establish a locally-recruited civilian task force to bolster security in Kwara North, following an emergency meeting with community leaders from Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas. The announcement came during late-night consultations addressing rising kidnapping incidents and violent attacks in the region.

The proposed community defense unit will involve residents trained and equipped to work alongside security agencies, creating a layered response to unique local threats. “Details will be fine-tuned through broader stakeholder consultations to ensure effectiveness and sustainability,” the Governor stated, emphasizing this would complement existing security measures.

AbdulRazaq also pledged direct support for victims of recent violence, including personal visits to affected areas, while vowing that forest guards and hunters killed in recent Ifelodun LGA attacks “will not die in vain.” The meeting further addressed infrastructure needs at the College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and power supply challenges in the axis.

Training for new recruits to commence this week as state steps up fight against banditry

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards as part of intensified efforts to tackle security challenges, particularly in parts of Kwara North and South.

The new recruits will join the 700 forest guards earlier engaged, who are already working with security agencies on the frontline to combat banditry and protect communities.

According to the Governor’s media aide, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, the recruits will begin training this week. Like their predecessors, they will undergo advanced military training, including the handling of sophisticated weapons and modern counter-insurgency strategies.

The move, Fafoluyi said, underscores Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring that criminal elements are rooted out to restore lasting peace.

…Governor AbdulRazaq visits Oke Ode, meets community leaders as crackdown intensifies across state

Security forces in Kwara have killed notorious kidnap kingpin Maidawa and several of his associates in fierce engagements over the weekend along the Kwara–Kogi border.

Intercepted communications obtained by the Department of State Services confirmed Maidawa’s death, which was disclosed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation with his associates in Katsina State. The message was reportedly passed along the Igboro–Idofin road.

Maidawa, long feared for orchestrating kidnappings and attacks on civilian populations, was eliminated as part of sting operations in parts of Kwara South and North, following urgent interventions sought by the state government.

The operations, which are ongoing, are targeting flashpoints where kidnappers have recently operated, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. Security sources said the aim is to dismantle all hideouts used by criminal gangs who abduct people for ransom.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, meanwhile, visited Oke Ode, Ifelodun LGA on Thursday in company of security commanders and top government officials to reassure residents of government’s support and solidarity.

The Governor addressed community leaders in Oke Ode and is also billed to meet with leaders from Edu and Patigi LGAs later today to brief them on coordinated efforts between the state government, Federal Government, and security agencies to keep communities safe.

“The renewed operations are meant to send a strong signal that criminals have no hiding place in Kwara,” the Governor told residents, urging calm and cooperation with security agencies.

Authorities say the crackdown will continue until all threats are eliminated and peace is restored across the affected areas.

…Residents in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun LGAs urged to stay vigilant, limit outdoor movement

The Kwara State Government has advised residents, particularly those living in communities within Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun Local Government Areas, to exercise caution and limit non-essential movements as security operations against kidnappers intensify.

The advisory comes amid heightened raids by combined security forces on suspected criminal hideouts in border areas between Kwara and Kogi States.

“We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines. That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,” the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Olukoju expressed government’s regret over any temporary inconveniences the advisory may cause, but stressed the need to prioritise public safety.

She commended the security forces for their renewed onslaught against criminal elements and charged them to sustain the momentum until all hideouts are dismantled and the perpetrators neutralised.

“The government commends the security forces for the renewed efforts to rout out the criminals and charges them to continue until they are totally flushed out of our forests,” the statement added.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission to restore peace and safety across the state.

…Governor mourns forest guards, civilians lost in Sunday incident as Army HQ orders GOC relocation to Kwara

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for increased security deployments across the state following deadly attacks in Oke Ode and surrounding areas of Ifelodun Local Government.

In a statement on Sunday, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of forest guards and residents who fell victim to the early morning assault. He praised the courage of the guards and local hunters who resisted the assailants, saying their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces,” he said.

The Governor acknowledged the concerns of citizens and emphasised that more military presence was needed to fully dislodge criminal elements in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.

“While we appreciate the efforts and unquantifiable sacrifices of the security forces as well as the successes so far, we definitely need to do a lot more until we are completely out of the wood,” he added.

Governor AbdulRazaq also appealed to residents to remain calm and not turn on one another, noting that unity and vigilance were vital in confronting insecurity.

He commended the forest guards and hunters for their bravery, acknowledging that although five of their members were lost, they were able to neutralise several of the attackers.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Ibadan, to immediately relocate to Kwara State to strengthen coordination and boost military response to the incident.

… Army extends Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara as Governor urges calm, vows stronger logistics support

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised the courage of vigilante members in Isin Local Government whose resistance led to the neutralisation of several armed criminals during an encounter in Eleyin community.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday, the Governor described the action as a bold assertion of the people’s right to live without fear. He expressed condolences to the family of Mr. Saheed Adeshina, a vigilante member who died from injuries sustained in the clash, approving ₦10 million financial support for his family.

“May God repose his soul and comfort his loved ones at this difficult time. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq assured that the government will replace motorcycles lost during the operation and intensify logistic support for both security agencies and local vigilantes. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid violent protests, stressing that such actions could undermine ongoing security efforts.

“The reported mass neutralisation of the criminals sends a clear message that Kwarans will not accept provocation or intimidation. Together with the security forces, our communities will be rid of criminal elements,” the Governor added.

He also announced that the Nigerian Army has extended Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara, reinforcing the state’s security architecture in collaboration with local vigilantes.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety across the state, promising continuous support for community-based security efforts alongside formal security agencies.

…Security commanders report arrests, arms seizures as state steps up public safety drive

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday chaired a marathon security council meeting in Ilorin to review ongoing operations aimed at strengthening public safety across the state.

The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, including the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Senior government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General, Special Adviser on Security, and Senior Special Assistant on Security also participated.

Briefings covered recent operations across the state, with security chiefs reporting multiple arrests, prosecutions, and the interception of arms from criminal elements.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended the security forces for their dedication and sacrifice, assuring them of the government’s continued support.

“Our security agencies are putting in everything to keep our people safe. They deserve every support that they get,” the Governor said, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide actionable intelligence to aid the work of security operatives.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure Kwara remains secure and peaceful.

…Governor commiserates with victims’ families, pledges support through KWASSIP

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend visited Babanla, Oke-Ode and other communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting livelihoods.

The Governor, accompanied by security chiefs including the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and the State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commiserated with families affected by the recent attacks and pledged that government would prevent further breaches. He also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to provide immediate support to those affected.

“We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities that we will ensure this does not happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” AbdulRazaq said.

The Governor explained that the influx of criminal elements into the area was a spillover from increased military pressure in other parts of the country, but assured residents that security forces are determined to flush them out.

“You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have witnessed the return of normalcy in the past week. We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace,” he added.

The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, who commended the administration’s swift intervention and the federal government’s support in restoring calm.

“Your visit today is a great relief for our people. We commend your actions to restore peace. The attack led to the loss of nine motorcycles, food items, and phones, but with your assurances, our people can now feel safer,” the monarch said.

Also on the Governor’s entourage were the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, and Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Femi Yusuf.