The Nigerian Air Force 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin on Saturday commenced a joint operation with other sister security agencies to smoke out and eliminate any criminal gang along the Eyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo area in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The operation is code-named 'Exercise Apejopo Idi' (meaning gathering of the eagles) and will run from Saturday till the end of December for maximum impact.

“Exercise Apejopo Idi, which is planned for December 16 to 31, 2022, aims at utilising NAF ground and air assets to comb the bushes and vulnerable communities within the Eyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo area.”

A statement by the Commander of the 303 Medium Airlift Group, Air Commodore Ibrahim-Garba Jibia, stated, “The operation will also involve 22 Brigade, the Department of State Service, police, local vigilante and hunter groups to get rid of the bad eggs and any possible kidnappers' den along that area.”

The operation will involve a large movement of troops. It is part of the combined military and state government's efforts at reassuring security along Eyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo general area.

Gibia appealed to all peace-loving citizens in the area not to fear but go about with their normal activities during the period.