States in Nigeria’s South-West have heightened border security following intensified attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits in neighbouring Kwara State, prompting fears of a spillover into the region.
Security agencies in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states confirmed on Thursday that coordinated containment measures have been activated to prevent infiltration by bandits fleeing ongoing military operations in Kwara.
Top intelligence said that federal security agencies are tracking the movement of the armed groups after recent deadly raids in several Kwara communities. A high-level security report has flagged the bandits’ potential advance into the South-West, prompting urgent interventions.
Surge in attacks in Kwara
Over the past two weeks, Kwara State has witnessed a surge in violent attacks. On September 29, 12 members of a local forest guard unit and a traditional chief were killed in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun LGA. Days earlier, on September 23, armed men abducted two residents during a night raid on Maganiko Ndanangi in Edu LGA.
On Sunday, another wave of attacks in Oke-Ode led to the deaths of 15 vigilantes, a traditional ruler, and several others, with five abducted. Additional raids in Patigi and Lafiagi communities claimed more lives, including that of a pregnant woman, and saw at least 18 others kidnapped.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited Oke-Ode on Thursday to commiserate with victims’ families, accompanied by state security chiefs. He assured residents that military reinforcements had been deployed.
“We have come to commiserate with the community… Everything is being put in place to mitigate the effects and prevent a recurrence,” the governor said.
South-West states on high alert
Responding to the threat, security chiefs across the South-West have mobilised tactical teams and intensified intelligence-gathering efforts.
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In Oyo State, Amotekun Corps Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) said the state was fully prepared to repel any bandit infiltration.
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In Osun, Police spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi said seven tactical teams had been deployed to Kwara-bordering communities, with intelligence units conducting surveillance and traditional rulers enlisted for early warning efforts.
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Ondo State Police spokesman SP Olayinka Ayanlade revealed that border patrols had been intensified, including the deployment of mobile police units and checkpoints in forests and rural areas.
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In Ekiti, the Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), confirmed the deployment of troops to key border points in coordination with Kwara, Oyo, and Osun.
“It is a coordinated operation… We don’t want them to infiltrate the South-West. What we have is beyond patrol; we have physical deployment in all those areas,” Ogundana said.
Ekiti Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.), urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
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Traditional support, federal response
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, expressed concern over the situation and offered support to the Kwara State Government. He also urged the Federal Government to ensure justice for the victims.
“Security should not be taken for granted. Urgent and immediate steps are needed to build a stable, peaceful society,” the monarch said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has ordered security agencies to neutralise threats in the region. Speaking at the closing of Exercise Haske Biyu in Jaji, Musa warned that insurgency and banditry remain serious threats to Nigeria and the Sahel region.
“The only way we can have peace is to identify the bad guys and take them out,” he said, urging regional and community cooperation.
Outlook
Despite military operations and high-level interventions, many communities in Kwara remain on edge, with residents fleeing to safer areas. Security experts say the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the South-West can avoid a wider regional crisis.
Security forces across affected states are calling on the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements as efforts continue to secure borders and prevent further violence.
