The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Kaiama in Kwara State following the arrest of 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes across forest communities in the state.
The suspects were apprehended during intelligence-led operations carried out by the Kwara State Police Command in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to different criminal gangs operating within forest corridors and rural communities in parts of the state.
The operations targeted bandit camps located around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji and Babanla, which had reportedly been used as operational bases for criminal activities.
Police also disclosed that two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic were among those arrested for allegedly collaborating with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal operations.
During the raids, security operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack believed to have been used by the suspects to coordinate attacks and evade security patrols.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed, a suspect from Jos, Plateau State, who was alleged to have supplied communication devices to the bandits, alongside other individuals suspected of providing logistics support to the criminal network.
Speaking during his operational visit, IGP Disu commended the officers involved in the operation and described the arrests as a result of coordinated efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating in forest areas.
“The arrests are 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,” the IGP said.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing operations against banditry.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.
“All suspects in custody will 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,” Ojo stated.
The police assured residents that sustained operations will continue to restore safety and security to affected communities across the state.