By 
A joint security force, including the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), police operatives and local vigilantes, on Wednesday, burst and arrested over 20 suspected criminals in Kwara State.
The arrested individuals have been taken to Abuja for investigation.
Confirming this was the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara State, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye.
According to him, the operation also involved a strategic partnership with security forces in the neighbouring Kogi and Niger states, who prevented the criminals from escaping.
Ajakaye said the arrested individuals, including suspected gun runners and their logistics supporters, were arrested in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
He noted that “the operation followed a renewed security crackdown on criminal elements in the area,” adding that “the crackdown, involving the deployment of nearly 400 special security operatives, is at the instance of the state government and Office of the National Security Adviser.
“It targets Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, and some other border areas where breaches have recently been observed. We are to have these local governments on lockdown.
“The operation is just getting underway, and we have more than 20 arrests already. The suspects are giving useful information, and many of them were caught with ammunition and supplies meant for the criminals around Babanla (Ifelodun).
“Out of these suspects, 10 are being moved to Abuja along with the ammunition in their possession for more grilling.
“The operation has also led to the unconditional release of many captives in the area following mounting pressure on the criminals,” he stated.
Noting that the operation started from Ifelodun, Ajakaye added that “we are also moving to Edu and Patigi, while Eruku axis is on lockdown to ensure that these criminals do not escape to Kogi. Border communities around Niger are also being monitored.”
The latest security operation followed recent assurances by Governor AbdulRazaq that every string is being pulled to smoke out the criminals from different forests where they may be hiding.
The government source urged members of the public to report suspicious movements of unknown individuals to security agencies.
Comments