A joint security operation has been carried out in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, targeting criminal hideouts around Baba Sango on Monday night.
The raid came barely 24 hours after a deadly incident in Oke Ode community, where no fewer than 12 people, including forest guards and local vigilantes, were killed by armed bandits, while several residents were abducted.
According to military sources, the latest engagement took place near the Kogi border with Kwara, underscoring the cross-border security threat posed by the criminals.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier on Monday confirmed aerial bombardments of identified bandits’ positions in the area, in what appeared to be part of a coordinated strategy to dislodge the criminal gangs.
Though details remain sketchy regarding casualties on the side of government forces, reports indicate that the bandits suffered heavy losses during the fierce gun battle.
The Monday night operation highlights the increasing military pressure on criminal groups terrorising rural communities in Kwara and its border regions.
