Tinubu Orders 24-hour Aeriel Surveillance Over Kwara, Kebbi, Niger Forests

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

President Bola Tinubu has ordered continuous aerial operations over forests in Kwara, Kebbi and parts of Niger State as part of efforts to curb rising kidnappings and attacks in the region.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, made this known on Tuesday.

He said the President had asked the Nigerian AirForce to expand surveillance “into the deepest parts of the forests” where armed groups are believed to be hiding.

He also disclosed that the AirForce is also to work closely with ground troops already carrying out rescue and counter-terrorism missions.

OTN News observes that the Presidential order follows a string of high level coordinated kidnapping incidents, including the mass abduction of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and coordinated attacks in Kebbi and Niger.

Although some victims have been rescued, security agencies believe more people are still being held in remote forest camps.

Dare said Tinubu has ordered security commanders to adopt an “all-out, no-retreat” approach until the networks behind the attacks are dismantled and every abducted person is found.

Communities in the affected states have also been urged to share timely information that could support the intensive operations.