From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained war against banditry and terrorism, following coordinated air and ground operations that led to the killing of scores of bandits across parts of the state. The operations were carried out over the weekend by joint security forces.The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed the development in a press statement issued on Monday in Lokoja. He said the success was the result of highly coordinated precision operations involving multiple security agencies.
According to Fanwo, the joint operations comprised personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force, with support from the Police Air Wing. He described the collaboration as strategic and decisive.“
The coordinated strikes and ground battles led to the destruction of several bandits’ camps, the dismantling of their criminal networks, and the neutralisation of many of the criminals, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injury,” Fanwo stated. He explained that the renewed onslaught was strategically coordinated by the Kogi State Government with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the leadership of the various security agencies. He added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate kidnapping and violent criminal activities in the state.
Fanwo noted that initial feedback from affected communities indicated renewed confidence in the ability and commitment of security forces to end banditry. He said residents expressed optimism that the operations would not only restore peace in Kogi State but also contribute to improved security nationwide.The state government expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole. It also commended the National Security Adviser and the heads of all participating security agencies for their support and professionalism.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, according to the statement, has reaffirmed his determination to sustain the momentum against criminal elements. He assured residents that the government would continue to deploy all necessary resources until banditry and terrorism are completely eliminated from the state.The government urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations. It stressed that community cooperation remains critical to identifying and dismantling criminal networks.
Members of the public and health institutions across the state were also advised to promptly report cases of gunshot wounds to security authorities. Fanwo said such reports would assist security agencies in tracking fleeing criminals injured during the operations.The Kogi State Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that efforts would continue until lasting peace and security are fully restored across all parts of the state.
