Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has directed the demolition of suspected terrorist hideouts in Okene Local Government Area as part of efforts to curb insecurity in the state.
The operation began with the destruction of a building believed to be an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout in Sambel, Idoji. The action followed a series of banditry and violent attacks reported in the area.
In recent months, concerns have been raised over extremist activities in parts of Kogi State. Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, had earlier claimed that a large number of terrorists operating in Kogi and the South-West were Ebira youths allegedly radicalised by extremist ideologies.
In a related development, the suspected mastermind of a previous attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene—reportedly a leader of the Ansaru terrorist group—was recently rearrested and arraigned before a court.
Security sources say the incidents underscore a growing trend of extremist activities in the area, prompting increased security operations.
The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to decisively eliminate all criminal elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the state.
