By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its crackdown on banditry and forest-based criminal networks following the arrest of 32 suspected bandits during coordinated security operations in parts of Kwara State.
The arrests were made during sustained intelligence-led operations carried out by the Kwara State Police Command in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), targeting criminal groups operating within forest corridors and rural communities across the state.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited Kaiama to commend officers involved in the operation, describing the breakthrough as a significant step in dismantling organised criminal networks responsible for kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids on several criminal hideouts located within forest areas around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji and Babanla.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects belonged to different gangs that had been using the forest locations as operational bases for planning and executing attacks on communities.
Police operatives also recovered several items during the raids, including four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack believed to have been used by the criminals to coordinate their activities and evade security patrols.
The police further disclosed that two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic were among those arrested and are suspected to have collaborated with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal activities.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Umar Mohammed, from Jos in Plateau State, who is alleged to have supplied communication equipment to bandit groups. Authorities also detained several other individuals suspected of providing logistics and support to the criminal network.
Speaking during his visit, the IGP stated that the successful operation was the result of coordinated efforts by the police and other security agencies working to dismantle criminal networks operating from forest locations across the region.
He praised the officers involved for their professionalism and dedication, while urging residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in combating crime.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and restoring safety to communities affected by criminal activities.
He assured that all suspects currently in custody would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that security operatives are continuing efforts to track down other members of the gangs who remain at large.
