By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of being affiliated with a bandit group, intensifying ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, said the arrest was carried out during a joint operation involving police operatives, the National Forest Guards, and the Kaiama Vigilante Group.
The suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, a native of Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was apprehended on April 1, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m. during a routine patrol in the Nanu area of Kaiama Local Government Area.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect was allegedly contacted on March 30 by an acquaintance identified only as “Babi,” a resident of Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
SP Adeyemi further disclosed that Abubakar was subsequently invited to travel to Farinsuni through Baruten Local Government Area, with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP or the Lakurawa faction, before he was intercepted and arrested.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of his involvement and to track down other individuals linked to the case.
Reaffirming the command’s dedication to public safety, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies without delay.
