A joint security operation involving personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, has destroyed three major bandit camps in Kogi State.

The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Sunday (rtd), disclosed yesterday that the camps, allegedly operated by a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Babangida, were overrun during coordinated air and ground assaults.

According to him, the operation involved heavy bombardment and superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of scores of bandits, while several kidnapped victims were rescued.

Sunday said the rescued victims had been moved to medical facilities for treatment and would later be transferred to Internally Displaced Persons camps before being reunited with their families.

He commended the gallantry of the security personnel and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at eliminating banditry and terrorism.

The security adviser also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure that ongoing clearance operations achieve lasting results.