By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA / KAIAMA — The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force following the arrest of 32 suspected bandits during coordinated security operations in Kaiama and surrounding communities.
The suspects were apprehended during sustained intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Kwara State Police Command in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Police authorities said the operation targeted criminal networks operating within forest corridors and rural settlements across several parts of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts located in forest areas around Kaiama, Patigi, Babanla, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and nearby communities.
Investigations revealed that the suspects are linked to different criminal gangs involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes across the region.
Police also confirmed that two foreign nationals from Niger Republic were among those arrested, with authorities suspecting their involvement in cross-border criminal activities.
During the raids, security operatives recovered several items believed to have been used by the criminal groups, including four AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed, a suspect from Jos, who is alleged to have supplied communication equipment to bandit groups operating in the forests.
Speaking during his operational visit to Kaiama, the Inspector-General of Police said the arrests were the result of coordinated security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks hiding within forest locations across the region.
He commended the officers involved for their professionalism and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and restoring safety in affected communities.
He added that all suspects currently in custody will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal gangs still at large.
