Joint security agencies in Ekiti State have stepped up coordinated operations across forests in the North Senatorial District to prevent suspected bandits from neighbouring states from infiltrating the area.
Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters disclosed that the exercise involves a combination of conventional forces and local security outfits.
He listed participating agencies to include the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, the State Agro Marshal Corps, vigilante groups and local hunters.
Ogundana said the operation followed security alerts received about two weeks ago, prompting the state government to deploy personnel to comb the forests and dislodge suspected criminal elements.
He explained that the exercise, sponsored by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, commenced last week and would continue for an extended period. According to him, several suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing profiling to ascertain their involvement.
Describing the operation as strategic and unannounced, the security adviser said it disrupted attempts by suspected bandits to establish camps within the forests.
He added that intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements facing pressure in Kwara State were attempting to use Ekiti forests as safe havens, stressing that the government would not allow any part of the state to become a base for unlawful activities.
Ogundana outlined key operational routes, including Ayedun, Ipao, Oke Ako and Irele stretching towards Ogbe in Kogi State. He said another team is covering Itapaji through Gede and Iyemero up to border communities in Kwara, with plans to extend operations towards Erinmope.
The intensified patrols follow recent security incidents in Erinmope in Moba Local Government Area and parts of Ikole Local Government Area, where residents reported cases of kidnapping and attacks by suspected bandits.
Ogundana assured residents that the forest sweep would remain sustained until security is fully restored across the affected areas.
