The Kwara State Government has confirmed that notorious Fulani kidnap kingpin, Maidawa, and several of his henchmen were killed in airstrikes conducted by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in the forests around Isanlu-isin, Kwara state.
Chief press secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that communications intercepted from the gang indicated Maidawa and several of his henchmen were killed in the joint military operation on September 30.
According to the statement, news of Maidawa’s death was relayed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation in Sabuwa local government area of Katsina state.
“The security forces, responding to renewed calls by the state government for urgent interventions, have intensified efforts to dislodge kidnappers who frequently target civilians for ransom,” the statement said.
The operation, which involves both air and ground units, is being conducted in phases to cover all affected areas, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.
The military campaign follows a deadly bandit attack on Oke-Ode last Sunday, which claimed the lives of vigilantes and residents, with several others abducted.
This incident has accelerated the NAF and army’s efforts to neutralize armed criminal elements in the state.
Authorities said the offensive aims to dismantle criminal networks operating in dense forest areas and to restore safety to communities frequently targeted by kidnappers.
