Police apprehend suspected bandit recruit in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 20year old suspect, Mallami Abubakar, over alleged involvement in bandit related activities.

The arrest was carried out on April 1 2026, at about 0800 hours, during a joint patrol involving police operatives, the National Forest Guards and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group in Nanu area of Kaiama Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on April 4 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspect, who hails from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was intercepted during routine patrol along the axis.

Preliminary findings, as disclosed by the Command, indicate that the suspect was allegedly contacted on March 30 by a friend identified simply as Babi, said to be from Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The statement noted that the suspect was reportedly invited to travel to Farinsuni through Baruten Local Government Area, with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa before he was apprehended.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi, said the arrest reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities and prevent the spread of insurgent linked operations within the region.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, reiterates his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement read.

The police added that the suspect is currently in custody while a full-scale investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement and track down other individuals linked to the alleged plan.