Kwara Takes the War to Kidnappers: Army Deploys Heavy Equipment, Governor Thanks Tinubu

The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army for deploying a full brigade and heavy military equipment to tackle banditry and kidnapping in parts of Kwara State.

The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, has commenced a large-scale operation across several parts of Kwara South and Kwara North, with troops and armored vehicles seen moving through communities in Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The operation will also cover Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas, where dense forests have served as hideouts for kidnappers terrorizing local communities.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who recently discussed the security situation with President Tinubu during a visit to Jos, expressed deep appreciation to the President for his swift intervention and commitment to restoring peace in the state.

“We will not spare any resources in supporting the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the safety of lives and properties,” the Governor said in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The Governor described the ongoing operation—part of Operation Fasan Yanma—as a decisive move to eliminate criminal elements and restore confidence among residents.
“We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and clear the entire area,” he added, while appreciating the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, and other top military officers for their coordinated efforts.

The renewed military operation is expected to significantly improve security in affected parts of the state and bring relief to communities that have faced repeated attacks from kidnappers in recent months.