Kidnapping: Air force, military, police, hunters to comb hotspots in Kwara

The Nigerian Air Force will on Saturday commence a joint operation with other sister security agencies against activities of kidnappers and other criminals along the Eiyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo axis in Ilorin, Kwara State.  The operation, which is being handled by the 303 Medium Airlift Group (MAG) of the air force in Ilorin, is coming on the heels […]

The Nigerian Air Force will on Saturday commence a joint operation with other sister security agencies against activities of kidnappers and other criminals along the Eiyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo axis in Ilorin, Kwara State.

 The operation, which is being handled by the 303 Medium Airlift Group (MAG) of the air force in Ilorin, is coming on the heels of concerns by residents as the yuletide draws nearer.

The Eiyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo axis, despite military formations and other security agencies close by, is notorious for kidnapping activities in the state.

 Many of the residents have fled the area over incessant criminal activities with several deaths and ransom payments running into several millions of naira to criminal groups using the place as base.

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 But a statement by the Commander of MAG, Air Commodore Ibrahim Garba Jibia, said the operation code-named ‘Exercise Apejopo Idi’ (gathering of the eagles) is to smoke out and eliminate criminal gangs along the axis which will run till the end of December.

 “Exercise Apejopo Idi, which is planned for 16th to 31st December 2022, aims at utilizing NAF ground and air assets to comb the bushes and vulnerable communities within Eiyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo Axis. 

“The operation will also involve the 22 Brigade, DSS, police, vigilante and hunters to get clear the bad eggs and any possible kidnappers’ den along that axis,” he added.

 He said the exercise is part of the combined military and state government’s efforts at ensuring security along the affected areas and will involve a large movement of troops.