The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu who was on a visit to Kaiama commended the gallant officers of the Command and detectives of the Intelligence Response Team for the arrests made .
Kwara State police public relations officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said:”The arrests were made during sustained intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within forest corridors and rural communities across the state. In a joint operation by the Kwara State Police Command and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts. Investigations revealed that the suspects belong to different gangs using forests around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and Babanla as operational hideouts.
“Among those arrested are two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic, suspected of collaborating with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal activities.
“During coordinated raids, police operatives recovered five walkie-talkie communication devices, 38 rounds of live ammunition, four AK-47 rifles and a camouflage hydration backpack suspected to have been used by the criminal groups to coordinate attacks and evade security patrols.
“Further investigations also led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed, a suspect 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.
Speaking during the visit, the IGP noted that the arrests were the outcome of coordinated operations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within forest locations across the region. He commended the officers for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, (CP) Adekimi Ojo reaffirmed his commitment to intensify operations against banditry and restore safety to affected communities. He assured that all suspects in custody would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while efforts continue to track down other members of the criminal gangs still at large.
