The mastermind of a kidnapping network that has terrorised Kwara State and nearby regions, identified as Maidawa, has been killed along with several of his gang members during coordinated airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to security sources, the strikes were carried out on Tuesday in the dense forests of Isanlu-Isin in Kwara and parts of Kogi State. The operation followed the deadly attack on Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area last Sunday, where at least 11 forest guards and residents were killed and many others abducted.
Confirming the development, the Senior Special Assistant on Communication to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ibraheem Abdullateef, disclosed that intelligence reports confirmed Maidawa’s death.
“Intercepted communications from the kidnappers confirmed that Maidawa and several of his fighters were neutralised during a clash with joint security forces around Isanlu-Isin in Kwara,” Abdullateef posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
He explained that the offensive, launched on Monday, is part of intensified joint operations aimed at dismantling armed groups across the state.
“Security forces, acting on the state government’s call for swift intervention, have stepped up efforts to dislodge these criminals who target civilians and kidnap for ransom,” Abdullateef added.
The ongoing sweep is being carried out in phases to cover areas recently hit by attacks, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi LGAs. The exercise involves the Nigerian Air Force in collaboration with the Army, Police, and Department of State Services.
The crackdown came just two days after the Oke-Ode killings, which triggered mass protests by residents. Demonstrators blocked the Ilorin–Abuja Expressway at Ajase-Ipo to demand immediate government action.
Governor AbdulRazaq, after an emergency Security Council meeting on Tuesday night, vowed that criminals would not be allowed safe havens in the state.
“Our security agencies, with full government support, are determined to crush these gangs. Kwara will not serve as a refuge for bandits,” the governor declared in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact casualty figure from the airstrikes remained unclear, but security operatives assured that the operation would continue until all hideouts in the forests are cleared.
