Authorities in Kwara State have warned residents in parts of the state to remain vigilant and restrict unnecessary movements as security forces intensify operations against kidnappers across several local government areas.

The advisory, issued Wednesday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, affects communities in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero and Irepodun.

The government said the measure was necessary to safeguard civilians as armed groups continue to flee hideouts under pressure from security raids.

The advisory follows a surge in kidnappings across Nigeria’s North-Central region, including Kwara, where armed groups have exploited forested areas as bases for their operations.

Bandits on Sunday had killed no fewer than ten people, including a village head (Baale), in Oke-Ode area of Ifelodun Local Government in Kwara State.

“That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,” Olukoju said in the statement.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has in recent months coordinated joint operations with federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

These operations have led to arrests of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of abducted victims, but officials say the networks remain entrenched.

Olukoju said the government regretted the inconveniences that restricted movement may cause, particularly for farmers and traders, but insisted the priority was to protect lives.

“The safety of our people is paramount,” she said.

The government urged citizens to remain alert, cooperate with security personnel, and promptly report suspicious activity. It also pledged regular updates on the operations, reaffirming its resolve to end criminal elements from the forests and restore normalcy to the affected areas.

“We commend the security forces for the renewed efforts to rout out the criminals, and charge them to continue until they are totally neutralised and flushed out of our forests,” she added.