Tinubu orders total security cordon on Kwara forests, says aide

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security cordon on forests in Kwara State following recent incidents of kidnappings and terrorist activities.

The directive was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement posted on X by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare.

According to Dare, the President instructed the Nigerian Air Force to expand air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara, where terrorists are believed to be hiding.

He said, “President Tinubu has ordered total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities.

President Tinubu directed the Air Force to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara State where it is believed the terrorists are hiding. They are to maintain a 24-hour surveillance and link up with the boots on the ground.”

Dare added that the “order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued. Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aid the work of the security forces.”

The directives come in the wake of the recent abduction and rescue of 38 churchgoers in Eruku, and the reported kidnapping of at least 10 residents on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It is gathered that the latest attack occurred around 6 p.m. when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the quiet agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.

Our correspondent gathered that the attackers moved through several parts of the town, firing shots into homes and whisking away residents, including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and children.

The Isapa attack is the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in less than a month.

Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but later rescued.

Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted inside a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also later released.