The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Kwara State, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice as security forces intensify operations to restore order in affected communities.
In a statement issued Thursday, the DHQ described the attacks as heinous and unacceptable, assuring residents of Kwara State that the military would deploy all necessary resources to track down and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
“The Defence Headquarters condemns in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks in Kwara State. These cowardly acts against innocent citizens will not go unpunished,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
In response to the security situation, the military has deployed an army battalion to the affected areas to reinforce existing security arrangements and conduct operations aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by the attackers.
The deployment is expected to enhance surveillance, improve response capabilities, and provide reassurance to local communities that have been gripped by fear following the incidents.
While the DHQ did not provide specific details about casualties or the exact locations targeted, sources indicate that the attacks resulted in loss of lives and property, prompting concerns about the expanding reach of terrorist elements into previously stable regions of the country.
Kwara State, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, has traditionally been considered relatively peaceful compared to states in the northeast and northwest that have borne the brunt of insurgency and banditry. However, recent security incidents have raised alarm about potential spillover of violence from neighboring areas.
Security analysts have warned that terrorist groups and criminal gangs are increasingly seeking new territories as military pressure intensifies in their traditional strongholds, making previously secure states vulnerable to attacks.
The Kwara State Government has been working closely with security agencies to enhance protective measures across the state, particularly in rural communities that are more exposed to such attacks due to limited security presence.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reportedly held emergency security meetings with service chiefs and other stakeholders following the attacks, pledging full support for military operations and calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel.
Community leaders in affected areas have appealed for increased military presence and better coordination among security agencies to prevent future attacks and protect vulnerable populations.
“We are grateful that the military is taking this seriously, but we need sustained presence, not just temporary deployments,” one community leader stated. “These criminals must know that there will be consequences for attacking innocent people.”
The DHQ assured Nigerians that intelligence gathering has been intensified and that security forces are working round the clock to identify and apprehend the attackers.
“We have credible intelligence, and our troops are on the trail of these criminals. It is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” a military spokesperson added.
The Defence Headquarters also called on residents to provide useful information that could aid security operations, promising confidentiality and protection for informants.
The deployment of additional troops to Kwara State is part of broader efforts by Nigeria’s military to address the evolving security challenges facing the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
