Security operatives in Ekiti State have launched a coordinated operation across forests in the North Senatorial District as part of efforts to expel suspected bandits said to be escaping intensified crackdowns in neighbouring Kwara State and Kogi State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), disclosed on Sunday that a blend of conventional and local security outfits had been deployed to the affected areas in a sweeping exercise that commenced last week.
According to him, the operation involves personnel of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Ekiti State Agro Marshal Corps, as well as vigilante groups and local hunters.
Ogundana explained that the offensive became necessary following security breaches recorded in parts of the district about two weeks ago, prompting the state government to mobilise all relevant agencies to prevent the criminals from establishing camps in the forests.
He said the operation, backed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, was strategically designed to drive out the fleeing suspects and safeguard residents from potential attacks.
“The joint team has maintained a strong presence in the forests since last week and will remain there for as long as necessary.
So far, the exercise has yielded positive results, with several suspects apprehended,” Ogundana stated.
He added that those arrested were undergoing profiling to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities, noting that the unannounced nature of the raid caught many of the suspects off guard.
The security adviser further observed that sustained pressure on criminal elements in Kwara had pushed some of them towards Ekiti forests in search of refuge.
“Our objective is clear — no part of Ekiti will serve as a sanctuary for criminal groups. We are determined to deny them any foothold in our territory,” he said.
Providing details of the operation routes, Ogundana said one team is advancing from Ayedun through Ipao, Oke Ako and Irele up to Ogbe in Kogi State.
Another team, he noted, is combing areas from Itapaji to Gede, extending to Iyemero and Eruku, and stretching towards Kuru in Kwara State, with plans to cover border communities around Erinmope.
He emphasised that the forest sweep would continue until all identified hideouts were dismantled and the criminals completely flushed out.
The development follows recent security concerns in Erinmope, Moba Local Government Area, where gunmen abducted members of a family who were later freed after ransom payment.
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Residents of Irele in Ikole Local Government Area had also reported incidents of shootings and kidnappings attributed to suspected bandits.
