Army Boss Gives One-Month Ultimatum to Flush Out Bandits in Kwara, Kainji Forest

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Nigerian troops to reclaim all territories in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State and parts of Kainji Forest in Niger State currently under threat from bandits.

Speaking during a visit to the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Army Chief said the military would not allow the insurgency in the North-East to spread to the North-Central.

He warned that the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting every inch of the country’s territory.

“We will not sit back and watch any part of our land fall into the hands of bandits or insurgents, whether they go by the name Boko Haram or anything else,” Oluyede declared.

“You have one month to flush them out and restore full control of those areas to Nigeria.”

Oluyede emphasized the soldiers’ promise to defend the nation and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver.

“All of you have vowed to fight and reclaim what has been taken, and I believe you will keep that vow,” he said.

He further assured troops of improved welfare and infrastructure.

According to him, the Army is producing 100,000 uniforms monthly and spends over N1 billion each month on troop feeding.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accommodation and provide educational and professional opportunities for soldiers.

“I want to see Nigerian soldiers become doctors, engineers, and other professionals. That’s the future we are building for the Armed Forces,” he added.

This strong response comes on the heels of recent security breaches in the affected areas in Kwara State.

A group believed to be responsible for recent violence has reportedly surfaced in Kaiama and Baruten, while seven people were killed in an attack in Ilesha Baruba earlier this week.

General Oluyede’s visit is part of a nationwide tour to boost morale and assess operational readiness amid rising security concerns across Nigeria.

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