By Deborah Nnamdi
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspected bandit, Mallami Abubakar, during a routine patrol in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The Command disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was apprehended last Thursday in Nanu by a joint patrol team comprising police operatives, National Forest Guards, and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest followed intelligence gathered during ongoing security operations in the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Abubakar had allegedly been contacted on March 30, 2026, by a friend identified simply as “Babi” from Babana Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. He was reportedly invited to travel to Farinsuni through Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Lakurawa terrorist network.
The police spokesperson said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement and to track down other individuals connected to the alleged plot.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to dismantle criminal networks and prevent the spread of terrorist activities within the region.
