President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered continuous aerial surveillance and a "total security cordon" over forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and parts of Niger State as security forces intensify operations against insurgents and bandits across the Northcentral and Northwest regions.

The directive, disclosed yesterday by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, via his verified X handle, mandates the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to provide round-the-clock monitoring of hard-to-reach forest zones believed to be hideouts of criminal groups.

Operational Strategy

According to Dare, the President instructed the Air Force to expand reconnaissance "across the innermost parts of the forests," with the crucial goal of synchronising operations with ground troops already deployed for rescue missions and counter-terrorism duties.

The same level of operational pressure is to be replicated along the Kebbi-Niger axis, where multiple rescue efforts are currently underway.

Context of the Directive

The President's order comes amid a troubling escalation of insecurity in the region, which includes:

• Kwara State: Last week's mass abduction of 38 worshippers in Eruku (who were later rescued on Sunday), and the recent attack on Isapa community where 11 people, including a pregnant woman and children, were abducted.
• Niger and Kebbi States: Recent mass abductions of school pupils and other citizens, though some kidnapped students and 51 Niger pupils have since been reunited with their families.

President Tinubu reportedly insisted that all military and security formations adopt an "all-out, no-retreat posture" until the perpetrators are neutralised and all abducted citizens are safely returned. Furthermore, communities in the affected states have been urged to provide timely intelligence to support the intensified military operations.