Category: Security

20 Suspects Arrested as Kwara Launches Tight Security Operations Across Ifelodun, Edu, Patigi

No fewer than 20 individuals, including suspected gun runners and their logistics supporters, have been arrested in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State as part of a renewed crackdown on criminal networks in the region.

The arrests come amid heightened security operations targeting notorious flashpoints in the state. According to an intelligence report on Wednesday, the operation was launched at the instance of the Kwara State Government in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

It involves the deployment of nearly 400 special security operatives across Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, and other strategic locations along Kwara’s borders with Kogi and Niger States.

“We are to have these local governments on a lockdown. The operation is just getting underway, and we have more than 20 arrests already. The suspects are giving useful information, and many of them were caught with ammunitions and supplies meant for the criminals around Babanla (Ifelodun),” the report disclosed.

Ten of the arrested suspects have already been moved to Abuja alongside the recovered ammunition for further interrogation. Authorities believe this will help dismantle wider supply chains supporting criminal activities in the region.

The intelligence report also confirmed that the intensified pressure on criminal groups has led to the unconditional release of several captives who had been held in the forests. This development, officials say, signals early success for the operation and underscores the resolve of security agencies to restore peace in Kwara’s troubled areas.

A government source revealed that the crackdown is being carried out in close coordination with security formations in neighboring states. “The operation is only starting from Ifelodun. We are also moving to Edu and Patigi, while the Eruku axis is on lockdown to ensure these criminals do not escape to Kogi. Border communities around Niger are also being monitored,” the source explained.

The renewed security drive follows recent assurances by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that no effort will be spared in flushing out criminal gangs from the forests and restoring calm to affected communities. The governor had earlier promised that the state would work with federal authorities to ensure sustained security presence in the hotspots.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of unknown persons to security agencies. Authorities believe community cooperation will be crucial to the success of the ongoing operation and the long-term safety of the region.

Police Arrest Man for Attempting to Bribe Investigators with ₦1.5m to Free Suspected Kidnapper in FCT

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested one Yahaya Saleh for allegedly attempting to bribe investigators to secure the release of a suspected kidnapper under investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Saka Ajao Adewale, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters. He said the 40-year-old suspect offered ₦1.5 million to investigators handling the case of a kidnapping syndicate operating within the FCT and surrounding areas.

According to the CP, the arrest followed a discreet operation by officers of the command’s Scorpion Squad.

“The suspect approached the police investigators and offered the bribe as an inducement to compromise the case and unlawfully release one of the arrested suspects,” Adewale said.

He added that the officers, demonstrating professionalism and integrity, rejected the offer and immediately initiated legal procedures leading to Saleh’s arrest. The CP assured the public that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

Adewale commended the officers involved in the operation for their conduct and reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption and any interference with the course of justice.

Gunmen Kill NSCDC Officer, Abduct Three Students in Attack on Edo Seminary

Gunmen on Wednesday night reportedly attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and abducting three students.

The attack occurred around 9 p.m., according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and has renewed fears over the safety of religious and academic institutions in the state.

Reacting to the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi expressed deep concern, with the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, condemning the assault and calling for swift action to rescue the kidnapped seminarians.

“This is the second time in ten months that the school has been attacked. Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been abducted and a civil defence officer killed,” Egielewa said, adding that a local vigilante also sustained gunshot wounds.

He urged the government to take immediate steps to protect Catholic institutions, saying, “We call on security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to rise to their responsibilities so that our people can live in peace and safety.”

As of Thursday, the identities of the abducted students had not been released, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Army Says 24 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Borno Operations

The Nigerian Army has said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across Borno State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out between July 4 and 9, in collaboration with the Air Component, Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters.

The Army said the operations took place in multiple locations, including Platari, Komala, Kawuri, Madarari, Leno Kura, and Bula Marwa, among others.

At Platari, troops reportedly ambushed terrorists moving from the Sambisa axis and killed three. Another fighter was said to have been neutralised in Komala during a similar operation.

In Kawuri, the Army said two terrorists conveying logistics were killed, while in Madarari, troops allegedly repelled an attempt to infiltrate an IDP camp, killing one insurgent.

Further operations in Leno Kura and Ngoshe-Ashigashiya reportedly led to the elimination of additional fighters and the recovery of items including motorcycles, food, and arms.

The statement also noted that in Bula Marwa and Pambula, clearance and patrol operations resulted in the killing of more terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts.

On July 9, troops were said to have killed three insurgents in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa, recovering rifles and ammunition during exploitation of the area.

Captain Kovangiya stated that the operations demonstrate ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and improve security in the Northeast.

Bandits Attack Kwara Community, Kidnap Teenager, Two Others

Three people, including two adults and a teenager, were kidnapped on Monday night in Gbugbu community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

One of the victims is a state government official, reportedly abducted between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident during a press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Despite the presence of security personnel in the area, abductions in Edu LGA persist. Similar incidents have been reported in other communities, including Ndeji, where many residents have fled their homes due to insecurity.

Security forces, comprising the police, military, civil defense, local hunters, and vigilantes, have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators in Edu, as well as in Ifelodun and Patigi, where bandit hideouts have reportedly been identified.

Why do you think bandit attacks have been persistent in Kwara communities and what is the possible way out?

Army, forest guards for deployment in Edu, Ifelodun to rout criminal gangs

• Gov briefs Lafiagi stakeholders on security efforts

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has briefed key stakeholders in Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the many efforts of the government to rid the areas of criminal gangs involved in violent crimes in the region.

The meeting was held in Ilorin, the capital city, attended by the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU) headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.

The Governor acknowledged the concerns of the communities and reassured them of the government-led multistakeholders’ response to the situation.

The meeting came as the Nigerian army concludes arrangements to launch sustained operations in the forests identified as the fortress of the criminal gangs in Kwara North and South.

The operations would involve the newly trained forest guards in the isolated areas.

“These operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care would be taken to prevent the violent elements from hibernating elsewhere. The government has been working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate these threats in parts of the state, especially in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi,” according to a statement on Sunday morning.

“No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks. However, it is important to note that sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success.”

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
July 6, 2025

Bandits Threaten Kwara Community, Demand N200m

Bandits have issued a fresh threat to a Kwara community, demanding a N200 million “levy” or risk another deadly attack. This ultimatum comes days after a deadly assault in Lile village, Patigi Local Government Area, where Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun and his son were killed.

The Demand

The bandits communicated their demand via a phone call, warning that failure to pay the ransom would result in another wave of violence. “They contacted us this morning and said if the money isn’t paid today, they will return with another attack,” a resident said.

Background

The initial attack occurred on Tuesday night, when armed men stormed Alhaji Kpotun’s residence in an apparent kidnap attempt. The community is now gripped with fear, urging the government and security agencies to intervene.

Insecurity Pattern

This incident is part of an alarming surge in kidnappings across Kwara North, with attacks reported every 3-4 weeks. Residents are living in fear, and the lack of official response has exacerbated the situation.

Community’s Plead

The people of Lile and surrounding areas are calling for urgent action to address the insecurity and protect their lives and livelihoods. The situation remains tense, with no official response from security agencies as of the last report.

(The informant247)