President Bola Tinubu has ordered a sweeping security cordon around forests in Kwara State following a surge in kidnappings and terrorist activities.
The directive was announced on Tuesday in a post on X by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
According to Dare, the President instructed the Nigerian Air Force to intensify and expand aerial surveillance over the deepest parts of Kwara’s forests, where terrorists are believed to be taking refuge.
He wrote: “President Tinubu has ordered a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities. The Air Force is to expand its surveillance across the innermost forest areas and maintain 24-hour monitoring while linking up with boots on the ground.”
Dare added that the directive also extends to the Kebbi and Niger States axis, where more kidnapping victims are expected to be rescued. He urged communities to provide timely intelligence on unusual movements or activities to support security operations.
The President’s order comes on the heels of multiple attacks in Kwara, including the recent abduction and rescue of 38 churchgoers in Eruku, as well as the kidnapping of at least 10 residents on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told The Telegraph that the latest attack occurred around 6 p.m. when between 20 and 30 armed bandits invaded the quiet agrarian community with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled.
The attackers reportedly moved through several sections of the town, firing into homes and seizing residents—including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children.
The Isapa incident marks the third major attack on communities in Ekiti LGA in under a month.
Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku before being rescued. Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted during a thanksgiving service at a church in the same town and were later released.
