Abdulrazaq: Renewed efforts ongoing to stop criminals in Kwara hinterlands

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, says renewed efforts are being made to curtail the activities of criminals in the state’s hinterlands.

Recently, Kwara, particularly the northern district of the state, has been witnessing a spike in gunmen attacks which has unsettled communities.

In a statement on Wednesday, Rafiu Ajakaiye, chief press secretary to the governor, said Abdulrazaq asked residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces and state authorities.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the arrest of top terrorist leaders, describing it as a “strong sign of the administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism”.

He said the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group highlighted the extensive intelligence-driven operations being carried out.

“These arrests are a big win for the country. We commend the president, the national security adviser, and the leadership of the Nigerian armed forces, army, air force, navy, and the Nigeria police and other agencies for this feat,” the statement reads.

“On our part, we will continue to support the effort of the president and the security agencies on all fronts.”

The governor expressed confidence that the clampdown on terrorist leaders will bolster the campaign against criminality across Nigeria.

“We are confident that these arrests, along with other efforts at various levels across the country, will stamp out the criminal activities in our communities,” he said.

“I again reassure our people that we will continue to work with the security agencies to eliminate threats and maintain the security of lives and properties.

“Our people should rest assured that no resources are being spared to protect them and their properties.

“I want to particularly urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security forces and other state authorities.”

Abdulrazaq said the absence of details on specific security operations should not be mistaken for inaction.

“Nondisclosure or limited disclosure of specific security information or operation is not borne out of inaction or lack of concern,” the governor said.

“A lot is being done in collaboration with the security agencies, resulting in valuable intelligence gathering and analysis, arrests, and the prevention of attacks that could have occurred.

“I, therefore, urge our people to remain alert but calm as renewed efforts are being made to curtail the cowardly activities of the criminals in our hinterlands.”

The governor added that more security operatives, including forest guards, are being deployed to boost safety in vulnerable areas.

He also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to take inventory of persons affected by recent incidents in order to provide support to community leaders.