Ekiti launches fresh forest sweep to dislodge bandits, kidnappers

By Boye Oyeyemi 

The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the police, has launched a fresh security operation aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers from forests and border communities.

The directive was issued on Monday as the Police Commissioner in the state, Michael Falade, mobilised a joint security team for an intensive bush-combing exercise.

The operation involves personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, DSS and local vigilante groups.

Speaking at the take-off point at the state police command, the Special Adviser on Security, retired Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, said the exercise would continue indefinitely, noting that the mission was designed to dislodge criminals hiding in forests, particularly around border areas linking neighbouring states.

Ogundana assured residents that the operation would enhance safety, urging them to go about their lawful activities without fear.

He disclosed that an earlier phase of the exercise carried out in Ekiti North recorded success, with several suspects arrested and currently undergoing profiling.

According to him, the initial operation helped to push back criminal elements attempting to infiltrate border communities around Kwara and Kogi states.

Addressing the operatives, Falade charged them to conduct clearance operations, raid criminal hideouts and intensify surveillance across the state, amid emphasizing the need for discipline, teamwork and professionalism, stressing that the mission is to safeguard lives, protect infrastructure and prevent crimes such as kidnapping, vandalism and cattle rustling.