The Kogi State Government has said that coordinated air raids and ground assaults have destroyed bandits’ camps and neutralised several suspected criminals in Yagba West Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement, attributing the operation’s success to collaboration between the state government and security agencies.
He said the operation involved the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), with ground troops pursuing fleeing bandits following the air raids.
Fanwo said the raid is part of the sustained security campaign of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to dismantle criminal networks, destroy their hideouts and improve security across the state.
He added that the latest operation will weaken the capacity of criminal groups to threaten residents and disrupt economic activities in Yagba West and neighbouring communities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the military and other security agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations and sustained field engagement.
He said the government will continue to provide the resources, equipment and logistical support required to sustain the operations, despite their high cost.
Fanwo commended the joint security forces for their professionalism and dedication, while urging residents of Yagba West and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information to security agencies.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security operations in the state, noting that cooperation between the federal and state governments and security agencies has strengthened efforts to tackle security threats.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government will sustain the collaboration until criminal groups were denied safe havens and lasting peace was restored across the state.
