Suspected Bandit Arrested While Travelling From Kogi To Join ISWAP -

 Police Arrest Suspected Bandit in Kwara During Joint Patrol Operation

By Queen Madaki

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the National Forest Guards and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group (KVG), have arrested a suspected bandit fro

m Kogi State during a routine patrol in Kwara State, The Bureau News reports.

Joint Security Patrol Leads to Arrest

The suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, a 20-year-old from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was apprehended on April 1, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. in Nanu, Kaiama Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest was made during a coordinated patrol aimed at strengthening security across vulnerable border communities.

“On April 1, 2026, at about 0800 hours, a joint patrol team comprising Police operatives, the National Forest Guards, and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group (KVG), while on routine patrol in Nanu, intercepted and arrested one Mallami Abubakar,” the statement said.

Suspect Linked to Terrorist Recruitment Plot

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly recruited into a terrorist network by an associate identified as “Babi” from Babana Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Police said the suspect had been instructed to travel to Farinsuni via Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa before his arrest.

“The individual reportedly invited him to travel to Farinsuni with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa,” the command added.

Investigation Ongoing

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement and to track down other members of the network.

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

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

Security Vigilance Intensified

The Bureau News understands that joint security operations involving local vigilantes and federal agencies have been intensified across Kwara and neighboring states as part of broader efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.