The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Ododo, has intensified its crackdown on banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

In a major operation, the combined security forces, led by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), demolished and set ablaze bandits’ camps and hideouts in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas.

Speaking to journalists at the location on Thursday, Omodara said two wounded bandits and their fake doctors were apprehended in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA.

Omodara said acting on intelligence information, the security agencies, arrested two wounded bandits who were receiving treatment from local doctors in the settlements.

•State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd).

The doctors, who were treating the bandits, were also apprehended.

According to Omodara, the bandits had sustained gunshot injuries in a previous encounter with security forces.

Following the arrest, Governor Ododo directed that the bandits’ camps and settlements be wiped out.

Acting on the governor’s directive, the combined security forces demolished the camps, including a makeshift clinic, and destroyed the bandits’ farmland and farm produce”.

Omodara emphasised that the security agencies have saturated the state, making it difficult for bandits to hide.

He warned that anyone caught perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals would be dealt with, regardless of their status or identity.

“We received intelligence that two bandits were receiving treatment in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA.

“We swiftly deployed security personnel and arrested the two wounded bandits.

The Governor directed that any house used for treating bandits should be demolished.

We’re arresting fake doctors treating them and warning that anyone perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals will be dealt with, regardless of their status.

“We will not accept that and we are not going to allow it,” Omodara said.

Omodara stressed that the operation is part of the Kogi State Government’s ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities, which is yielding unprecedented results.

“Gov. Ahmed Ododo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the combined security forces, led by Omodara, demolished and torched the bandits’ camps, farmlands, and produce in the major crackdown operation on Thursday.