Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has vowed to eliminate criminal activities in the state, declaring that “it is either the criminals leave Kwara or they die here.”

The governor made the statement while addressing 23 rescued kidnap victims presented to the state government following a joint security operation.

“We thank God that all the victims were freed through the relentless efforts of our security forces,” AbdulRazaq said.

“We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and other agencies for their coordinated response that made this possible.”

He commended the Nigerian Army and the medical team for caring for the rescued victims, assuring that the state government would support their rehabilitation.

The governor noted that security operations in the state, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), have brought significant progress.

“Since his arrival two weeks ago, many criminals have been arrested or neutralised, and peace is gradually returning,” he said.

AbdulRazaq also announced plans to deploy forest guards after the army completes its cleanup operations to sustain peace and enable farmers’ return to their lands.