Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Kogi State Government has announced a major security success in Yagba West Local Government Area, where coordinated air raids and ground operations neutralised bandits in large numbers and destroyed their camps.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said the operation was carried out by joint security forces comprising the Nigerian Military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), working in collaboration with the State Government.
According to Fanwo, fighter aircraft carried out precision air strikes on bandit camps in Yagba West, dealing significant blows to the criminal groups, while ground troops neutralised fleeing bandits and secured the area.
He said the operation will usher in greater peace and stability in Yagba West and surrounding communities, as the destruction of the camps has substantially weakened the capacity of criminal elements to threaten residents and disrupt lawful activities.
Fanwo described the offensive as part of a sustained and coordinated security campaign by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which has recorded a series of operational successes in recent months, including the clearance of criminal hideouts and disruption of criminal networks.
He noted that the sustained operations have led to considerable improvements in security across the state and expressed confidence that the latest success in Yagba West will further boost public confidence and allow residents to go about their daily activities without fear.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with the military and other security agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations and sustained field engagement.
He commended the joint forces for their professionalism, bravery and commitment to safeguarding Kogi State, which occupies a strategic position at the centre of Nigeria.
Fanwo said the Ododo administration will continue to invest heavily in security and will spare no resources to protect lives and property, stressing that the high cost of security operations will not deter government from fulfilling its responsibility to the people.
He urged residents, particularly in Yagba West and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that can aid ongoing operations, noting that community participation remains vital to sustaining peace.
Fanwo also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exceptional commitment to security in Kogi State, describing him as a steadfast and patriotic leader whose strategic direction, prompt backing and strong partnership with the state have significantly strengthened the capacity of security agencies to confront threats and protect citizens.
He said President Tinubu’s support has been instrumental to the successes recorded and worthy of the highest commendation, adding that the administration will sustain the security campaign until criminal elements are denied safe havens across the state.
