The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has visited Kaiama community in Kwara State following the arrest of 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrests were made during sustained intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within forest corridors and rural communities. The joint operation by the Kwara State Police Command and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led to coordinated raids on hideouts across Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and Babanla.
Among those arrested were two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, suspected of collaborating with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal activities. Items recovered included four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack believed to have been used to coordinate attacks and evade patrols.
The IGP commended the professionalism of the IRT operatives and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies. He stressed that the arrests were part of coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating within forest locations across the South West region.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed his commitment to intensify operations against banditry and ensure the safety of residents. He assured that all suspects in custody would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Further investigations also led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed from Jos, Plateau State, alleged to have supplied communication devices to bandits, alongside other individuals suspected of providing logistics and support to the criminal network.
By Godwin Ogar, Abuja
