Military airstrike operations at the weekend neutralised no fewer than 100 terrorists who have been terrorising communities in parts of Kwara State in recent months.
Several other suspected criminals were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the coordinated operations, which targeted multiple camps and hideouts across Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to findings, the airstrikes were specifically carried out in Baba Sango area of Ifelodun LGA, Gbugbu in Edu LGA, and Lata in Patigi LGA, all identified as strongholds of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers operating in the state.
A military source disclosed that the sustained operations have led to the destruction of several criminal camps, forcing surviving elements to flee their locations.
“Residents need to be vigilant and speak up about informants who leak information on troop movements. This is important for greater success,” the source said.
Confirming the development to journalists in Ilorin on Sunday, a senior military officer involved in the operations, who requested anonymity, said the strikes were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in Kwara.
“Ongoing military operations have attacked terrorist camps in parts of Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas, neutralising many kidnappers and terrorists,” he said.
He added that the air strikes targeted camps operated by notorious bandits with hideouts in Baba Sango, Gbugbu and Lata.
“It is obvious that the ongoing operation has thrown the bandits into disarray and displaced them from their positions.
However, operations are still being hampered by moles and informants within communities who leak information about troop movements,” the officer stated.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
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