The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes against terrorism and banditry in Kwara and Kogi states, arresting 129 suspected terrorists, killing 55 others and rescuing 309 hostages during coordinated security operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.
He said the operation marked the beginning of a sustained nationwide offensive against bandits, kidnappers, gun runners and terrorist groups.
“This is just the beginning. We will sustain it in Kogi, sustain it in Kwara and take it to every other area where this is needed,” Hundeyin said.
According to him, the operation was carried out by a joint task force made up of the Police Mobile Force, the Intelligence Response Team, the Police Air Wing and the Special Intervention Squad, working in partnership with the military.
Hundeyin explained that the success recorded was the result of effective coordination between air and ground troops during the exercise.
“There were ground troops mopping them up in a coordinated manner, with constant communication between the air wing and officers on the ground. It was well coordinated,” he stated.
He revealed that police operatives were deployed to the affected areas from January 2, following approval by the Inspector General of Police, to conduct detailed intelligence gathering and terrain assessment before launching the operation.
Describing the terrain as extremely difficult, Hundeyin said the areas were dominated by thick forests, hills, caves and streams, which provided safe hideouts for criminal elements.
“These terrorists mounted surveillance points on trees and even used walkie talkies to monitor the movement of security operatives. That is why months of planning and intelligence gathering were necessary before we struck,” he explained.
He added that the police, alongside other security agencies including the military and the Department of State Services, spent weeks studying the terrorists’ locations, weapons and movement patterns in order to minimise casualties among security personnel.
Hundeyin said drones and other aerial surveillance tools were deployed to provide a clear view of the terrain, enabling operatives to effectively identify and target criminal enclaves.
“What Nigerians are seeing now are the dividends of months of intelligence gathering and careful planning. If we get more resources, we will do even more. You will see Kogi and Kwara in multiple forms,” he said.
On security concerns in other parts of the country, particularly the activities of one chance robbery syndicates in Abuja, the police spokesman assured Nigerians that no region was being neglected.
He disclosed that several arrests had been made, including the recent arrest of a gang linked to the killing of a lawyer in the Federal Capital Territory, with the victim’s phone recovered.
Hundeyin also advised Nigerians to prioritise their safety when confronted by criminals.
“Please do not struggle. Save your life first. We can always go after these criminals and get them arrested,” he urged.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain ongoing operations and extend them to all identified criminal hideouts across the country.
