Over 20 suspects arrested in Kwara amid rising insecurity

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin-

The Kwara State Government has arrested more than 20 individuals, including suspected gunrunners and their logistics supporters, in Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of a renewed security operation against criminal elements.

According to an intelligence report made available to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, the operation involves the deployment of nearly 400 special security operatives. It is coordinated by the state government in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser. Targeted areas include Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, and other border communities recently affected by security breaches.

“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 ammunition and supplies meant for the criminals around Babanla (Ifelodun),” the report stated.

Of those arrested, 10 suspects are being moved to Abuja along with recovered ammunition for further interrogation. The operation has also led to the unconditional release of several captives following mounting pressure on the criminals.

A government source revealed that the operation includes strategic collaboration with security forces in neighbouring Kogi and Niger States to prevent the suspects from fleeing.

“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 said.

This security sweep follows recent assurances by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that every effort is being made to flush out criminal elements hiding in the state’s forests.

The government urged residents to report any suspicious movement or unknown individuals to security agencies.