ILORIN: Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition during an ambush in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The operation, conducted by soldiers of the 22 Armoured Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Patigi, followed credible intelligence on armed bandit movements along the Lema–Daban Lema Road.
According to Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the ambush occurred at around 12:10 am. Troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
One suspect was killed in a follow-up operation, while others escaped during the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle.
The remains of the neutralised suspect have been handed over to the appropriate authorities, Nwankwo said.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, commended the troops for their resolve and urged them to sustain offensive pressure against criminal elements.
He assured residents of the Army’s continued commitment to ridding Kwara communities of bandits and violent criminals.
Areas where bandits are prevalent in the state are:
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Kwara North, particularly Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, is under siege from the suspected Mahmuda terror group. Armed men have established bases in forested areas and frequently raid villages, kill or abduct residents, and force mass displacement
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Kwara South has seen multiple abductions. For example, an armed group intercepted travelers near Eleyinla, abducting several individuals including local officials some were rescued, but others remain held hostage
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Oreke-Okeigbo attack (June 4): Gunmen attacked a mining site, killing two mobile police officers and kidnapping two workers—one Nigerian, one Chinese—demanding a ₦1 billion ransomed
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Worsening insecurity in southern Kwara includes frequent vehicle hijackings, ambushes near Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi road, and fatal attacks in Ilesha-Baruba that have resulted in multiple casualties and abductions
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Calls for State of Emergency: Civic groups warn of utter lawlessness—vigilante forces are overpowered, and attacks have become highly coordinated. They’ve urged federal intervention, including deployment of joint task forces and drone surveillance
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In Ifelodun LGA, residents call for permanent joint security bases and better-equipped vigilantes. Efforts include increasing patrols, boosting pay, and registering vigilante members into the state’s health insurance scheme
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The Emir of Yashikira recounts how soldiers fleeing upon attack have left communities vulnerable. Vigilantes, though brave, remain under-equipped, while terrorists operate with impunity in areas like Kaiama, Baruten, and Borgu (Niger State)
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Violence has spread into Niger State’s border areas, with raids in Mariga LGA involving cattle rustling, abductions, and killings. In Kwara LGAs (Patigi, Ifelodun, Kaiama), entire villages have been emptied as populations flee raids
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Flooding has added to insecurity. In April, floods triggered by Jebba Dam releases devastated over 30 communities in Kwara and Niger States, killing at least 13, displacing over 6,400 people, and destroying farms, schools, and roads, compounding vulnerability to criminal attacks
