A joint security operation involving Nigerian security agencies and local vigilantes has destroyed three major bandits’ camps in Kogi State.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday.
Fanwo said the camps, located in Kogi West, were led by a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Babangida.
According to him, the coordinated operation, backed by air strikes and ground offensives, neutralised scores of bandits and rescued several kidnap victims.
“Notorious bandit leader Kachalla Babangida’s camps were attacked with superior firepower, neutralising scores of bandits through coordinated air strikes and ground engagements. The camps were destroyed, and previously held kidnap victims were rescued,” he said.
He added that the rescued victims had been moved to medical facilities for treatment and would later be transferred to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps before being reunited with their families.
Fanwo noted that the State Security Adviser, Cdr. Jerry Omodara (rtd), commended the bravery of the security personnel and assured them of continued government support in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
The operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, as well as local vigilantes.
Fanwo said the government would not disclose further details regarding the locations of the camps, the number of bandits neutralised or the identities of rescued victims for security reasons.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to tackling banditry and terrorism, and commended security agencies and local hunters for their dedication.
The commissioner added that Gov. Ahmed Ododo remains committed to ensuring the safety of Kogi residents and will spare no resources to achieve that goal.