President Bola Tinubu has ordered an extensive security cordon around forests in Kwara State following recent kidnappings and escalating terrorist activities in the region.
The directive, disclosed on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media & Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, mandates round-the-clock air surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force across the deepest parts of the state’s forest belts.
According to Dare, the President instructed 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,” and to maintain a continuous 24-hour aerial watch.
He said the air operations are also expected to work in close coordination with security units stationed on the ground.
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The directive, Dare added, extends beyond Kwara to parts of Kebbi and Niger States, where several mass abductions in recent days have triggered widespread alarm and urgent calls for government action.
“This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued,” he said.
Communities across the affected regions have been urged to support ongoing operations by providing early and accurate information about suspicious activities or unfamiliar movements.
The Presidency believes community intelligence will play a crucial role in guiding security forces and accelerating rescue efforts.
The renewed security push comes amid rising public concern over a string of high-profile kidnappings targeting schoolchildren, teachers and rural communities across northern Nigeria, incidents that have drawn condemnation from civic groups, international partners and state governments.
