Military Air Strikes, Ground Troops Pound Terrorist Hideouts In Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu As Residents Urged To Expose Informants

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Ongoing coordinated military air strikes and ground troop operations have targeted terrorists and kidnappers hideouts across parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, resulting in the destruction of several camps and the neutralisation of many suspected bandits.

According to security reports, the offensive—part of the ongoing counterterrorism push in the area—has focused on known enclaves operated by notorious kidnapping syndicates and terrorist elements entrenched in Baba Sango axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Gbugbu area of Edu Local Government Area, and Lata community in Patigi Local Government Area.

Preliminary reports from the operational theatre indicate that the combined air and ground assault has significantly disrupted the activities of the armed groups, forcing them to flee from long-established positions.

A preliminary security report stated that the operation has thrown the bandits into disarray and displaced them from their strongholds.

It was gathered  that several of the terrorists were neutralised during the raids, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the sustained bombardment and ground engagements.

Meanwhile, numerous camps, logistics bases, and makeshift shelters used by the criminals were reportedly destroyed in the course of the operations.

However, the military warned that the success of ongoing and future operations is being undermined by the activities of informants and collaborators within some local communities.

The security report noted the operations are being impeded by the activities of moles and informants who leak information on troop movements to the terrorists.

“The ongoing operations have destroyed many of their camps, and several of the bandits and terrorists sustained serious injuries,” the source said. “But residents must understand that the enemy often survives because of information passed to them from within the communities.

The military therefore urged residents of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas to remain vigilant and to actively support security efforts by identifying and exposing individuals who serve as informants to terrorist groups.

“People need to speak up. Those who give out information about troop movement are putting everyone at risk,” the source added. “Community vigilance and cooperation are essential for the complete success of this operation.”

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to report suspicious movements and individuals to security agencies, as military operations continue to flush out remaining terrorist elements and restore normalcy across the communities.