The Kwara State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the Nigerian Army arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, describing the information as misleading and untrue.
In an official statement issued late Sunday in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, clarified that no security agency, including the Nigerian Army, had reported the arrest of bandits in any part of Kwara State.
“First, the Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in any part of Ifelodun,” Olukoju stated.
Arrest Took Place in Edo State – Government
According to the Commissioner, the state government reviewed a viral video in which some arrested individuals claimed they were operating with a vehicle allegedly supplied by the “Ilorin Government” and weapons purportedly sourced “from Abuja.”
However, preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were not arrested in Kwara State, but in Auchi, Edo State, pending further clarification from security agencies.
“No security agency ever reported such arrests in Kwara. The individuals were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State,” the statement added.
Kwara Government Denies Arming Vigilantes
Reacting to allegations that the state government armed vigilantes, Olukoju stressed that no state government has the authority to arm individuals with AK-47 rifles. She further noted that the suspects did not categorically state that the Kwara State Government supplied them with weapons.
On the issue of the vehicle seen in the viral footage, the Commissioner explained that the Ifelodun Local Government Authority had previously clarified that the van was officially assigned to vigilante operatives supporting security operations in the area.
She added that the vigilantes had since been withdrawn from Ifelodun, while the local council had consistently reported that the vehicle was not returned following their exit.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The Kwara State Government urged the public, bloggers, and online media platforms to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information capable of heightening tension and undermining public peace.
“As security agencies continue to investigate the development, bloggers and online platforms are urged to avoid misrepresentation, as biased or false information poses an existential threat to human life and public order,” the statement warned.
Commitment to Security Collaboration
The government reiterated its commitment to addressing insecurity through enhanced inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among security agencies, stressing that coordinated efforts remain critical in the fight against banditry and violent crime.
The Kwara State Government assured residents that it remains fully engaged with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
Related:
- Ex-Lawmaker Calls for Federal Probe Over Alleged Arms Supply to Bandits in Kwara
- Army Arrests Armed Bandits In Kwara, Suspects Claim AK-47 Rifles And Patrol Vehicle Came From Government Officials
- EXCLUSIVE: New Terrorist Group Mahmuda Planning Escape To Benin Republic Through Kwara Border Communities –Security Source
