Tinubu Orders 24-Hour Aerial Surveillance, Full Security Lockdown Across Forests in Kwara, Niger, Kebbi

In a coordinated response to the surge in banditry and kidnappings, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered 24-hour aerial surveillance and a full security cordon over forests in states. The directive, which mandates the Nigerian Air Force to intensify operations in suspected hideouts, was announced by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, via his official X handle on Tuesday.

According to the Presidential aide, the surveillance efforts are a two-pronged approach. Sunday Dare stated that security forces are tasked with maintaining a 24-hour aerial watch, which must be fully synchronized with the operations of troops on the ground.

In his tweet, he quoted President Tinubu as saying, "President Tinubu has ordered total security cordon over the forests in Kwara state following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities. President Tinubu directed the airforce to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forest in Kwara state where it is believed the terrorists are hiding".

“They are to maintain a 24 hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground. This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued.

“Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aide the work of the security forces.”

Recall that President Tinubu held a security meeting with Service Chiefs on Sunday on the heels of spate of kidnappings in the two North Central states of Kwara, Nigeria and the North West state of Kebbi.

In a separate statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga had offered an insight into how the 38 worshippers abducted in a church in Eruku, Kwara state were rescued.

He attributed the feat to a well coordinated operation by the military and men of the Department of State Services.

“They made contact with the bandits to secure the release of the captives. Security agencies have systems for tracking these criminals, allowing them to monitor developments in real time. They reached out to the kidnappers and demanded the release of the victims, and they complied, aware of the consequences of defying government directives.

“They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled.”

Onanuga noted that a direct military assault on the hideout of the bandits could have been counterproductive, as terrorists often use victims in their captivity as human shield,s and it could result in “collateral damage.”

” Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians.”