President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive security operation across forests in Kwara and neighbouring states following a series of killings and abductions linked to armed groups.

In a statement shared on his X page, the president instructed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to expand aerial surveillance over remote forested areas, often used as hideouts by bandits and terrorists. He also commended the security agencies for the recent rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

“All the schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State have been safely rescued. I commend our security forces for their swift response, and the parents and communities for their strength during this period,” the president said.

Tinubu further directed that the security cordon extend to the Kebbi and Niger State axis, with ground and air units working in coordination to identify and neutralise hostile elements. He urged communities to report suspicious activities to aid ongoing operations.

The recent kidnappings began when armed men abducted students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi. The girls were taken at dawn after a military detachment reportedly left the school premises.

Following the Kebbi attack, similar abductions occurred in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State. All 38 students abducted in Eruku were freed on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 50 of over 300 students abducted from a Catholic school had escaped from their captors.

The president’s directive marks a decisive step in reinforcing security across vulnerable areas, particularly forests frequently exploited by criminal groups.