The Nigerian military has deployed a full brigade and heavy weaponry across parts of Kwara South and Kwara North following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to wipe out bandits hiding in the state’s forests.
The large-scale military operation, part of Operation Fasan Yanma (OPFY) has already kicked off in Oke Ode and Babanla communities in Ifelodun Local Council, extending to Edu and Patigi. Troops are combing through dense forests long used as hideouts by kidnappers and armed gangs.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who earlier briefed President Tinubu on the worsening insecurity, expressed gratitude for the swift federal response. “This intervention will help restore peace and security across affected communities,” his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaiye, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Ekiti State, police have heightened security at major entry and exit points to prevent bandit infiltration from Kwara and Kogi. Police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, said the operation involves the police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies. “This is purely preventive. Residents should stay calm and go about their lawful activities,” he assured.
Abutu added that the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has directed operatives to act with civility and professionalism, while urging citizens to report suspicious movements. He also dismissed social media rumours of external troops’ deployment, clarifying that the initiative is locally coordinated.
The Senate has also waded into the crisis, summoning the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the escalating violence in Kwara South.
Deputy Senate Leader, Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), raised an urgent motion detailing the gravity of the situation—over 70 people killed and 142 kidnapped in the last year. He said more than 25 communities have been deserted, schools closed, and farmlands abandoned as bandits tighten their grip on the Kwara–Kogi–Ekiti axis.
Lawmakers also demanded a permanent military base in Ifelodun to check the menace of armed groups and restore normalcy to the region.
With the military now on the ground and security agencies ramping up collaboration, authorities say the goal is clear: to reclaim ungoverned spaces and end the reign of terror across Kwara’s troubled borders.
