Trending 
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested no fewer than 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes in the state.
The command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement released on Tuesday, said the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within forest corridors and rural communities across Kwara State.
PRESS RELEASE.
FOREST BANDIT NETWORK CRACKED: IGP DISU VISITS KAIAMA AS POLICE ARREST 32 SUSPECTS, RECOVER ARMS.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM, embarked on an operational visit to Kaiama in Kwara State, and commended Gallant Officers of the… pic.twitter.com/TPdxJAAcns
— Kwara State Police Command (@Kwara_PoliceNG) March 10, 2026
“Investigations revealed that the suspects belong to different gangs using forests around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and Babanla as operational hideouts,” said Ejire-Adeyemi.
“Among those arrested are two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic, suspected of collaborating with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal activities.”
The spokesperson added that police operatives recovered 5 walkie-talkie communication devices, 38 rounds of live ammunition, 4 AK-47 rifles and a camouflage hydration backpack suspected to have been used by the criminal groups to coordinate attacks and evade security patrols.
A suspect, Umar Mohammed, alleged to have supplied communication devices to bandits from Plateau State, was arrested alongside other individuals suspected of providing logistics and support to the criminal network during the exercise.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who visited Kaiama in Kwara State, following the raid, commended the officers for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, assured residents of the state that the arrested bandits will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the police will intensify efforts to track down other members of the criminal gangs operating in the state.
