Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, declaring that no part of the state will remain a sanctuary for criminals.

Speaking after chairing a high-level State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, the Governor emphasized a unified strategy between state and federal security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating across Kwara North and South.

This follows the deadly bandit attack on Oke-Ode community last Sunday, which claimed 12 lives and left several others abducted. In response, Governor AbdulRazaq personally briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated his call for enhanced federal military support to conduct decisive raids on forest hideouts along the Kwara-Kogi border.

A major breakthrough came Monday night when combined forces of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of approximately 15 armed bandits, with follow-up actions continuing into Tuesday.

To strengthen command and coordination, the Army Headquarters has redeployed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin a move underscoring the federal government's renewed focus on stabilising the region.

"The integration of state and federal assets into a single operational framework marks a turning point," the Governor said. "We are not just reacting we are building a lasting security architecture."

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as joint operations intensify.

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 the 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 explained.