The Kwara State Government has confirmed the elimination of Maidawa, the alleged leader of a notorious kidnap gang terrorising communities in Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaiye, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, revealing that Maidawa and several of his foot soldiers were killed during ongoing airstrikes and ground operations by joint security forces.

According to intercepted communications, the news of Maidawa's death was relayed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation overheard along the Igboro-Idofin road, linking operatives as far as Marabar Maigora in Sabuwa LGA, Katsina State.

The engagement took place on 30 September during intensified operations around Isanlu-Isin, where the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and ground troops have been conducting coordinated raids under Operation Fansan Yamma.

Security agencies believe Maidawa's network was responsible for multiple abductions, including the deadly attacks on Oke-Ode and Eruku communities.

Ajakaiye said the elimination marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry, crediting intelligence from the State Security Service and federal collaboration for the success.

"The state government had urgently called for intervention, and we are beginning to see results," he stated. "These criminals will no longer operate with impunity."

It stated further that the operations are phased to cover every area where incidents have been recorded in recent weeks, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi.

Recall that the last Sunday morning attack by the bandits on Oke-Ode, which claimed the lives of at least eleven forest guards and other natives, with others abducted in the operation, triggered the ongoing onslaught by the NAF and the military to fight bandits and kidnappers to a standstill in the state.