The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of 309 abducted persons, the arrest of 129 suspected terrorists, and the killing of 55 others during a coordinated security operation across Kogi and Kwara states.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday while giving details of the sustained offensive against criminal elements operating within forested enclaves in the two states.
Hundeyin explained that the 55 suspects were killed during armed confrontations with security operatives, stressing that the incidents were not extrajudicial killings but the result of active firefights.
“I can confirm that 129 of these terrorists were arrested and 55 were neutralised in Kogi and Kwara. These were not extrajudicial killings; they occurred during intense gun battles,” he said.
He further confirmed that a total of 309 hostages were successfully rescued during the operation, describing it as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded in recent months.
According to the police spokesman, some of the suspects refused to surrender despite the arrest of their associates and instead chose to engage security forces.
“These were individuals who decided to fight to the end. As a result, 55 of them were neutralised,” Hundeyin added.
He attributed the success of the operation to several months of detailed intelligence gathering and strategic planning involving multiple security agencies.
The operation, he said, was carried out by a combination of specialised police units, including the Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, and the Air Wing, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies.
“There was a coordinated effort involving ground troops and aerial surveillance. Communication between the Air Wing and officers on the ground was constant as the area was systematically cleared,” Hundeyin said.
He noted that no casualties were recorded among security operatives, despite the difficult terrain, which he described as heavily forested and largely inaccessible by road, necessitating sustained aerial support.
Hundeyin assured Nigerians that the operation was still ongoing and would be intensified in the coming days.
“A lot of work still needs to be done, but we are determined to sustain this momentum. We are taking the fight to every identified hideout of bandits and terrorists. This is only the beginning,” he said.
The multi-agency offensive reportedly commenced over the weekend, with aerial surveillance revealing forest settlements and criminal camps being dismantled as security forces closed in on remaining suspects.
Police Rescue 309 Hostages, Arrest 129 Terror Suspects in Kogi–Kwara Joint Operation
