Kwara Deploys Army, Forest Guards to Combat Criminal Gangs in Edu, Ifelodun

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has briefed stakeholders from the Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the state government’s concerted efforts to eliminate criminal gangs operating in the region.

The governor gave the assurance during a meeting held in Ilorin with the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), led by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.

The engagement follows growing concerns over the activities of violent criminal elements terrorising communities, particularly in Edu, Ifelodun, and Patigi local government areas.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the affected areas through a coordinated, multi-agency approach.

According to a statement released on Sunday morning by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Nigerian Army has concluded arrangements to commence sustained operations in forest zones identified as strongholds of the criminal gangs in Kwara North and South. These operations will also include the deployment of newly trained forest guards to remote and isolated regions.

“These operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care would be taken to prevent the violent elements from hibernating elsewhere,” the statement read.

It added, “The government has been working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate these threats in parts of the state, especially in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi.”

Governor AbdulRazaq acknowledged the anxiety of local communities and assured them that decisive steps were being taken, albeit with careful planning due to the sensitive nature of security operations.

“No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks,” the governor noted. “However, it is important to note that sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success.”

The meeting with LADDU leadership is part of ongoing consultations with community leaders aimed at ensuring local support and collaboration in the fight against rural banditry and other violent crimes in the state.