President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full security perimeter around Kwara State’s forests due to recent kidnappings and terrorist operations.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, announced the decision on Tuesday in a statement posted on X.
According to Dare, the President directed the Nigerian Air Force to increase air surveillance in the innermost parts of Kwara’s forests, where terrorists are suspected to be hiding.
He said, “President Tinubu has ordered a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities.
“President Tinubu directed the Air Force to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara State where it is believed the terrorists are hiding. They are to maintain a 24-hour surveillance and link up with the boots on the ground.”
Dare added that the “order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued. Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aid the work of the security forces.”
The directions follow the recent abduction and rescue of 38 churchgoers in Eruku, as well as the reported kidnapping of at least 10 citizens on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighboring hamlet in Kwara’s Ekiti Local Government Area.
The latest attack occurred around 6 p.m. when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the quiet agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.
Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted inside a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also later released.
