PATIGI, KWARA STATE — Four suspected bandits have been killed during a joint security operation in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, following an attack on a cattle camp in the area.
The incident occurred on September 11, when armed suspected cattle rustlers reportedly invaded the camp and made away with about 40 cows.
Following intelligence on the incident, operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Forest Guards and local vigilantes mobilised and pursued the suspects into the surrounding forest.
The pursuit reportedly resulted in an exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the suspected criminals. Four of the suspects were killed, while some others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
Security personnel recovered 35 of the stolen cows during the operation, as well as a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle. Efforts are ongoing to locate the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.
The operation highlights the importance of timely intelligence and cooperation between conventional security agencies and community-based security groups in tackling cattle rustling, banditry and other rural crimes.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the personnel involved for their prompt response and bravery, urging them to maintain the tempo in the ongoing fight against criminal activities across the state.
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