The Nigerian Army has instructed farmers operating within the Kwara portion of Kainji National Park to vacate the area as part of its intensified crackdown on armed bandits.

The military also announced plans to increase its troop presence in the region following recent attacks by the bandits in Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA). Over the weekend, at least seven vigilantes in the area were reportedly killed in a suspected reprisal attack by the armed groups.

The bandits, who are believed to have migrated from the north-east, have been terrorising local communities and disrupting activities in Kainji National Park for the past five years, particularly in the Kemangi region.

This prompted governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State to lead security chiefs in the State to Kaiama.

At the Emir's palace, the Governor assured the people of Kaiama of prompt action to clear off the armed bandits from the State.

The Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Omar, confirmed the presence of the armed bandits within his territory in the last 5 years.

He called for the establishment of a military base in the vast game reserve.

The General Officer Commanding, 2 division, Major General Obinna Onubogun who confirmed that the armed bandits were on a revenge mission asked the people to cooperate with the military to defeat the bandits.