By Nkechi Eze
The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, on Saturday, 13th September 2025, led a joint security intervention in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State, following violent youth protests sparked by rising incidents of kidnapping for ransom in the area.
In company with the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, Mr Michael Oganwu, the Brigade Commander visited Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin LGAs after a distress call from the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to a statement issued by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, aggrieved youths had taken to the streets in protest over repeated abductions within their communities, blocking sections of the Omu-Aran–Eleyin–Ajase road in Isin LGA. The blockade halted traffic flow, left commuters stranded, and heightened tension across the area.
Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, working alongside operatives of the Police and DSS, were immediately deployed to the scene. The joint team dispersed the protesters, restored calm, and reopened the road for free movement of vehicles. Some of the ringleaders identified during the protest were arrested and handed over to the Kwara State Police Command for investigation and further action.
Addressing residents after the operation, Brigadier General Barkins reassured communities in the affected areas of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to safeguard lives and property. While cautioning against violent protests, he urged youths to adopt lawful and peaceful channels to express grievances. He also emphasized the importance of community cooperation with security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring your safety. But security is a collective responsibility, and we need timely and credible information from you to enable swift intervention,” he said.
The security heads later convened a meeting with the Chairman of Isin Local Government Area, Honourable Jolayemi Benjamin, village heads, and other local stakeholders. At the meeting, residents were urged to counsel their youths against resorting to violence and to strengthen their collaboration with security operatives.
Honourable Benjamin commended the swift response of the Army, Police, and DSS in quelling the protest and pledged the support of the local government in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the area.
