Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has vowed to "smoke out" criminals and bandits from the state.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property, declaring that no part of Kwara would be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.

The Governor made the statement following a security council meeting on Tuesday night.

In the wake of the recent attack on Oke Ode, the Governor moved swiftly to brief President Bola Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal security deployment to raid bandit hideouts.

AljazirahNigeria recalls that last Sunday's attack on the community by armed bandits claimed 12 lives and resulted in the abduction of dozens, including a community leader.

"The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division to Ilorin as part of renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state," the statement added.

"On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising approximately 15 armed bandits."

"The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for Kwara North and South."

Governor AbdulRazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

"I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals.

"To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people and their peace will be defended," the governor added.