Air raids destroy bandit camps in Yagba West as Kogi intensifies security operations

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has announced a fresh security offensive involving air raids and ground assaults against bandits in Yagba West Local Government Area, with the operations reportedly neutralising several suspects and destroying criminal camps.

The operation involved joint forces comprising the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), working in collaboration with the state government.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the aerial offensive dealt significant blows to criminal groups, while ground troops engaged fleeing suspects during the operation.

The government expressed optimism that the offensive would improve security in Yagba West and neighbouring communities by weakening the capacity of criminal groups to threaten residents and disrupt economic activities.

It described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to clear criminal hideouts across the state and prevent armed groups from using the areas as safe havens.

Fanwo said the latest operation reflected the sustained security campaign under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which, according to him, had recorded successes in clearing hideouts and disrupting criminal networks in recent months.

He expressed confidence that continued pressure on the groups would further improve security and enable residents to carry out their lawful activities with greater confidence.

The commissioner said the state government would continue strengthening collaboration with the military and other security agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint operations and sustained field engagement.

He commended the security personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage and commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi State.

Fanwo also reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to providing the resources required to sustain security operations, despite their high financial cost.

He said the government would continue investing in equipment, logistics and other operational support to enable security agencies to respond effectively to threats and prevent criminal elements from regrouping.

According to him, the protection of residents and their property remains a priority for the administration, adding that the government would sustain its support for security agencies until lasting peace is achieved across the state.

Fanwo urged residents, particularly those in Yagba West and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in their operations.

He stressed that cooperation between communities and security personnel was essential to consolidating operational gains and preventing criminal groups from re-establishing their presence.

The commissioner also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s support for security operations in Kogi State.

He said the cooperation between the Federal Government, the Kogi State Government and security agencies had strengthened efforts to confront security threats and protect citizens.

Fanwo added that the state government remained committed to sustaining the joint security campaign to deny criminal groups safe havens and restore confidence among residents.

The government urged communities to continue cooperating with security agencies as operations against banditry and other criminal activities continue.