Police Nab Suspected Bandit Recruit in Kwara Border Operation
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks in the State, following the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect allegedly linked to banditry recruitment in the Kaiama axis of the state.
The suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, was apprehended in the early hours of April 1, 2026, during a coordinated patrol involving police operatives, National Forest Guards, and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group. The operation took place in Nanu community, a location considered strategic in the fight against cross-border crimes.
According to the State Police Command, Abubakar, who hails from Isanlu Dankuturu in neighbouring Kogi State, was intercepted during routine surveillance aimed at curbing the movement of criminal elements within the region.
Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been lured into a recruitment network by an associate simply identified as Babi, said to be based in Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. He was reportedly en route to Farinsuni through Baruten Local Government Area, where he was to join a group believed to have links with ISWAP and Lakurawa factions before his arrest.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and assisting with investigations, adding that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the network and dismantle the recruitment chain.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
He urged members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious movements, stressing that community support remains vital in tackling insecurity across the State.
