‘We’ll rout criminals from their hideouts in Kwara’ — Gov AbdulRazaq

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has briefed key stakeholders in the Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the government’s efforts to rid the area of criminal gangs involved in violent crimes.

The meeting, held in Ilorin, the state capital, was attended by the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.

The Governor acknowledged the concerns of the communities and reassured them of a government-led, multi-stakeholder response to the situation.

The meeting came as the Nigerian Army concluded arrangements to launch sustained operations in forests identified as hideouts of criminal gangs in Kwara North and South.

The operations will involve the deployment of newly trained forest guards to isolated areas.

“These operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care will be taken to prevent the violent elements from relocating elsewhere,” the governor said.

He added that the government has been working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate threats, particularly in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi.

“No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks. However, it is important to note that sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis, planning, and execution of strategies for sustainable success,” he said.