The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man suspected to be linked to a bandit group, as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.

The arrest, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, followed a joint operation involving police operatives, the National Forest Guards and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group in the state.

The suspect, Identified as Mallami Abubakar from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was apprehended on April 1, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. during a routine patrol in Nanu area of Kaiama Local Government Area.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly contacted on March 30 by a friend identified simply as Babi, said to be from Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

“He was later invited to travel to Farinsuni through Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP or Lakurawa before he was intercepted and arrested”, Adetoun said.

The suspect, she noted, Is currently in custody, while further investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement and to track down other persons connected to the case.

“The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara.

“He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies,” she added. (Weekend Trust)