By Tosin Adebayo
Dozens of suspected bandits and kidnappers have been neutralised as troops intensified military operations in parts of Kwara State.
Troops engaged in ongoing security operations have raided several bandits’ hideouts in Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, killing many suspected terrorists and kidnappers.
The military operation targeted camps located in Baba Sango in Ifelodun, Gbugbu in Edu, and Lata in Patigi Local Government Area.
In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said preliminary security reports indicate that the operation, codenamed Operation India, has thrown the bandits into disarray and forced them to abandon their positions.
However, he noted that the operation has been challenged by the activities of informants within some communities who allegedly leak information on troop movements to the criminals.
A military source confirmed that several bandit camps were destroyed during the raids, while many of the fleeing terrorists sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The military has urged residents to remain vigilant and report individuals suspected of collaborating with criminals, stressing that community cooperation is vital to the success of the operation.
