In a major breakthrough for state security, coordinated military airstrikes over the weekend neutralised no fewer than 100 terrorists who have been terrorising various communities across Kwara State.

The precision operations targeted notorious hideouts and camps in Edu, Ifelodun, and Patigi Local Government Areas, which have recently seen a spike in banditry and kidnapping. Specifically, the airstrikes were concentrated on identified strongholds in the Baba Sango area of Ifelodun, Gbugbu in Edu, and Lata in Patigi.

A senior military officer, who confirmed the development in Ilorin on Sunday, stated that the strikes were part of an ongoing mission to dismantle criminal networks that have used the state's forest reserves as a base for operations. In addition to the high death toll among the insurgents, several other suspected criminals sustained severe injuries, and their makeshift camps were completely destroyed.

"The sustained operations have forced surviving elements to flee their locations," a military source disclosed. However, the authorities issued a stern warning to residents to be wary of informants within their communities who leak troop movements to criminals.

"Residents need to be vigilant and speak up about informants. This is critical for the total success of these operations," the source added.

This military intervention comes at a crucial time as the state government and security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace to the agrarian communities in Kwara North and South, which have been hard-hit by the activities of cross-border bandits.

"It is obvious that the ongoing operation has thrown the bandits into disarray and displaced them from their positions.

However, operations are still being hampered by moles and informants within communities who leak information about troop movements," the officer stated.