Security operatives have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State during a coordinated military operation carried out on Friday.
Ejes Gist News reports that the suspects were intercepted by troops while allegedly moving within the area and were immediately taken into custody for interrogation and further investigation.
Suspects Arrested With AK-47 Rifles in Kwara Community
According to security sources, the arrested individuals were found in possession of AK-47 rifles and other operational logistics believed to have been used in recent criminal activities across parts of Kwara State.
Visual evidence from the operation has since emerged online, showing the suspects lying prostrate on the ground with their hands tied while security personnel questioned them about the origin of their weapons and mobility support.
Also Read: How Bandits Bounce Calls Multiple Towers to Evade Tracking – Tinubu’s Minister
Bandit Claims Kwara Govt Officials Supplied Weapons and Vehicle
In the viral video, one of the arrested suspects made a grave allegation, claiming that officials of the Kwara State government provided the group with a vehicle and firearms for their operations.
The suspect alleged that the gang had been operating in the area under the pretense of conducting patrol duties.
“We have been here for quite a while. We are using the vehicle for patrol. Wallahi, na the truth I dey tell you,” the suspect said. “Ilorin government na him give us this motor and the weapons. They were the ones that gave us the rifles.”
“We Don’t Own the Weapons,” Suspect Insists
The suspect further denied personal ownership of the firearms, stating that a superior within the group received the weapons on behalf of the gang.
“We are not the ones that collected the rifles; it was our oga that collected them. I know because I was with them,” he said. “We go on patrol many times with them, including oga Victor. All of them are involved. The weapons are theirs.”
The claims, if verified, could raise serious concerns about internal security oversight and the misuse of government logistics.
Kwara Govt, Police Silent on Allegation
As of the time of filing this report, the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye, had not responded to requests for comments regarding the allegation.
Similarly, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not reply to inquiries seeking clarification or official reaction to the suspects’ claims.
No formal statement has been issued by the state government or security agencies either confirming or denying the allegations.
Rising Bandit Attacks in Kwara State
Kwara State has witnessed a noticeable rise in armed banditry and violent attacks in recent times, particularly in Edu, Ifelodun, and Ekiti Local Government Areas.
Criminal groups have reportedly targeted churches, schools, and rural communities, heightening fear among residents and disrupting social and educational activities.
The growing insecurity previously compelled the state government to shut down schools in affected areas to safeguard students and teachers.
Government Response and Security Measures
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq approved the deployment of additional security reinforcements across vulnerable communities.
The state government also announced the recruitment of forest guards to assist conventional security agencies in monitoring remote areas and curbing criminal activities within forest corridors.
Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency
At the federal level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency, citing the need to strengthen internal security architecture.
The President ordered fresh recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces to reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.
Security analysts say investigations into the Kwara arrest and the allegations raised by the suspects will be critical in determining accountability and restoring public trust.
Source:
People Gazette
