TINUBU DIRECTS TOTAL SECURITY CORDON ON KWARA FORESTS

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By: Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a sweeping security operation across forests in Kwara State in response to the recent surge in kidnappings and terrorist activities.

The directive was announced on Tuesday in a statement posted on X by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

According to Dare, the President instructed the Nigerian Air Force to intensify aerial surveillance over the deepest parts of the forests in Kwara, where terrorists are believed 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 further noted that the “order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis, where many are expected to be rescued,” urging communities to provide timely information on suspicious movements to support security agencies.

The President’s directive follows a series of attacks, including the recent abduction and rescue of 38 churchgoers in Eruku and the kidnapping of at least 10 residents on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Residents told our correspondent that the latest incident occurred around 6 p.m. when between 20 and 30 bandits entered the quiet agrarian community with a large herd of cattle, firing shots and causing villagers to flee. The attackers reportedly moved through different parts of the area, shooting into homes and abducting residents, including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children.

The attack on Isapa marks the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in under a month.

Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but were later rescued.

Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted during a thanksgiving service at a church in Eruku before they were eventually released.