The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 32 suspected bandits during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating in forest corridors and rural communities in Kwara State.
The arrests followed coordinated raids carried out by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), leading to the dismantling of suspected criminal hideouts in several locations across the state.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited Kaiama during an operational tour of the area, where he commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and commitment to combating violent crime.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the suspects belong to different gangs involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent activities, using forests around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji and Babanla as operational bases.
Among those arrested are two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic who are suspected of collaborating with local criminal groups in cross-border banditry operations.
During the raids, police operatives recovered several items believed to have been used by the criminal gangs, including four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack.
Further investigations also led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Umar Mohammed from Jos, who is alleged to have supplied communication equipment to the bandit groups. Police also apprehended other individuals suspected of providing logistics and operational support to the network.
Speaking during his visit, IGP Disu said the arrests were the result of coordinated security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in forest locations across the region.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist in tracking down criminal elements.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and restoring safety to affected communities.
Ojo assured that the suspects currently in custody would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while security operatives continue efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gangs still at large.
Police Arrest 32 Suspected Bandits in Kwara Forest Raids as IGP Disu Visits Kaiama
