Residents of the Kwara South Senatorial District have been called upon to provide maximum cooperation and support to the ongoing military and police operations aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers from the region.

The call was made on Monday, January 26, 2026, by the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Zubair Olaitan. In a strongly worded statement, Olaitan urged citizens to have faith in the coordinated efforts of the security operatives, including Forest Guards, who are currently "sanitizing" the forests to allow farming and other economic activities to resume without fear.

Confirming the reports of a massive offensive, Olaitan revealed that the joint operations utilising both ground troops and airstrikes have successfully neutralised no fewer than 100 criminals. He noted that while many bandit bases in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi have been destroyed, a few surviving elements are currently fleeing and may attempt to seek refuge within local communities.

An eyewitness, Abdulganiyu Mutiu, corroborated the success of the mission, stating that although the public is not permitted near the active combat zones, the "tremendous achievements" of the military are visible as the threat level in the area drops.

The Security Coordinator issued a stern warning to traditional rulers and residents against harbouring any strangers or suspicious individuals. He emphasized that prompt reporting of unusual movements to the authorities is critical to ensuring that the fleeing bandits do not regroup.

"This is a lawful operation to rid our forests of elements that hinder our progress," Olaitan stated, commending the state government's proactive intervention in securing the lives of the people.