President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a 24-hour aerial surveillance on forests in Kwara, Kebbi and some parts of Niger State in a renewed offensive against insurgency and banditry in the troubled Northcentral and Northeast zones.
He ordered a full scale cordon by soldiers who were mandated to displace the terrorists and halt the violence being perpetuated by the abductors.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed the presidential directive on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD.
He said the President had mandated the Nigerian Air Force to expand air surveillance “across the innermost parts of the forests” where criminal groups are believed to be hiding.
In compliance with the directive, the Air Force is to maintain an uninterrupted 24-hour aerial watch over the troubled zones and synchronise operations with ground troops already deployed for rescue missions and counter-terrorism actions.
Dare said the same operational intensity is to be replicated along the Kebbi–Niger axis, where multiple rescue efforts are ongoing.
The instruction comes amid a worrying escalation of insecurity in the Northcentral and Northwest regions, including last week’s mass abduction of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and attacks in parts of Kebbi and Niger that have unleashed tension.
On Sunday, 38 abductees from Eruku in Kwara State were rescued while 51 Niger pupils were reunited with their parents.
Also, kidnapped Kebbi students have regained freedom.
But yesterday, bandits attacked Isapa in Kwara State, carting away 11 people, including a pregnant woman and children.
President Tinubu, who has been receiving continuous updates from the frontline commanders, has directed all military and security formations to adopt an “all-out, no-retreat posture” until the perpetrators are neutralised and every abducted citizen is safely returned.
