More than 20 individuals, including suspected arms traffickers and their accomplices, have been arrested by the authorities in Kwara State.
The arrest followed the renewed security operation targeting criminal networks across several local government areas.
The coordinated operation, which began earlier this week, is being carried out in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi, as well as other border communities that have recently experienced security breaches.
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Nearly 400 special security operatives have been deployed under the directive of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser.
According to an intelligence report during the week, the security sweep already resulted in the recovery of ammunition and other supplies allegedly intended for criminal groups operating around Babanla in Ifelodun LGA.
“We’ve placed these local governments under lockdown. The operation is still in its early stages, but over 20 arrests have been made.
“Several suspects have provided valuable intelligence, and ten of them—along with weapons recovered—are being transferred to Abuja for further investigation,” the report stated.
The crackdown also led to the release of several abducted persons, as mounting pressure from the security forces forced criminal elements to abandon their captives.
A senior government source confirmed that the operation extends beyond Kwara, with security personnel in neighbouring Kogi and Niger states engaged in coordinated efforts to block escape routes for fleeing suspects.
“The initial focus is on Ifelodun, but we are expanding into Edu and Patigi. The Eruku axis has already been sealed off to prevent cross-border movement into Kogi, while border communities near Niger are under close surveillance,” the official said.
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The security offensive follows recent assurances by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that all necessary measures must be taken to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests and remote areas of the state.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar individuals to the nearest security agency.
