Kwara Police Crack Down On Bandit Network, Nab 32 Suspects And Confiscate AK-47s

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully disrupted a network of forest-based bandit gangs in Kwara State, arresting 32 suspects in a coordinated operation.

The operation was carried out by the Kwara State Police Command in partnership with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), following sustained intelligence gathering and targeted raids on hideouts in Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, Babanla, and Awi communities.

The arrested suspects belong to various gangs involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes, using remote forest corridors as their operational bases.

Among the suspects are two nationals from neighbouring Niger Republic, suspected of collaborating with local groups in cross-border bandit activities.

During the raids, police recovered four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack believed to have been used for coordinating attacks and avoiding security patrols.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed from Jos, Plateau State, who is alleged to have supplied communication equipment to the bandit groups.

Authorities have confirmed that all suspects will undergo detailed investigation and face prosecution, while operations remain ongoing to apprehend other gang members still at large.

The Kwara State Police Command described the arrests and recoveries as a significant step toward dismantling forest-based criminal networks and enhancing security in the affected areas.

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