Charred Remains, Abandoned Arms As Security Forces Overrun Bandits On Kwara-Kogi Border

At least 15 suspected bandits and kidnappers met a gory end on Monday night after a combined team of security forces stormed their camp along the Kogi–Kwara border.

The heavily armed troops, comprising the military, police, and vigilante groups, launched the midnight raid following intelligence reports linking the criminals to Sunday’s bloody attack on Oke Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Witnesses and security sources revealed that the operation triggered hours of intense gunfire, leaving the forest littered with bodies of the neutralised suspects. Charred remains of some bandits, alongside abandoned rifles, ammunition, and motorcycles, were discovered after the firefight.

According to a senior officer involved in the operation, the assault was designed to send a clear message to criminal gangs terrorising border communities. “The bandits thought they could outgun us, but our men overpowered them. We recovered dangerous weapons and destroyed their hideouts. This is only the beginning,” the officer said.

The authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded on the side of security personnel, noting that the successful raid has significantly weakened the bandit networks that have plagued the Kogi–Kwara axis with kidnappings and violent attacks.

Residents of Oke Ode, still reeling from the weekend assault, expressed relief at the swift retaliation. Community leaders praised the security forces but appealed for sustained patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping.

Government sources hinted that more offensives are underway to flush out remaining elements from the forests and ensure peace in affected rural areas.

The operation underscores renewed determination by Nigeria’s security architecture to take the fight directly into bandit enclaves and deny them any safe haven.