Police neutralise 55 terrorists, arrest 129, rescue 309 kidnapped victims in Kogi, Kwara operations — Force PRO
The Nigeria Police Force says a sustained, intelligence-led security operation across Kogi and Kwara states has led to the rescue of 309 abducted persons, the arrest of 129 suspected terrorists, and the killing of 55 others.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, where he gave an update on the outcome of the multi-agency operation.
Hundeyin explained that the 55 suspects were killed during armed confrontations with security operatives, dismissing claims of extrajudicial killings.
“I can confirm that 129 terrorists were arrested while 55 were neutralised in Kogi and Kwara. These were not extrajudicial killings; they were firefights,” he said.
He added that 309 hostages were rescued during the operations, noting that some of the suspects chose to engage security forces despite the arrest of their accomplices.
“These were individuals who refused to surrender and chose to fight to the end, which is why 55 of them were neutralised,” Hundeyin stated.
According to him, the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and strategic planning, involving several security agencies working in synergy.
The operation was carried out by combined police units, including the Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad and the Air Wing, alongside the military and other security agencies.
“There was close coordination between ground troops and the Air Wing, with continuous communication to ensure effective coverage of the area,” he said.
Hundeyin revealed that no casualties were recorded among security personnel, describing the operational environment as a dense and difficult forest terrain that required aerial support.
He assured Nigerians that the offensive would continue, stressing the police’s resolve to dismantle all criminal enclaves.
“We are taking the fight to every identified hideout of bandits and terrorists. This operation is only the beginning,” he said.
