Bandits’ gun technician and food suppliers arrested in Kwara

Security agencies in Kwara State have arrested a suspected armourer from Makurdi, Benue State, believed to be responsible for repairing weapons for bandits operating across the state.

Several other individuals accused of supplying food, fuel, drugs, and other essential items to the criminals in their forest hideouts were also apprehended.

Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo announced the development on Friday, November 21, 2025, while briefing journalists.

He explained that the breakthrough followed a meeting of the State Security Council held at the Government House in Ilorin.

Ojo also expressed concern over what the council described as the harmful impact of social media on efforts to combat insurgency and insecurity, particularly the circulation of sensitive security information.

He commended the military, police, and Department of State Services for new deployments in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently deployed four tactical units to the state — the Special Weapons and Tactics Squad, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, and Special Tactical Squad — to tackle emerging security threats.

Ojo said the meeting received updates from security commanders on recent incidents and ongoing efforts to track the perpetrators and rescue victims of the Eruku church attack.

He added that recent air interdictions have dislodged kidnappers from several hideouts, particularly in Ifelodun, with the council calling for sustained bombardment of identified criminal enclaves.

“The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals, as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers,” he said.

The council also endorsed the government’s recent security measures affecting some schools in vulnerable parts of the state and urged residents to remain vigilant while security agencies work towards the safe return of abducted girls.

Ojo said the meeting further approved intensified joint patrols across the state ahead of the yuletide season and recommended stronger security presence in vulnerable areas.

He noted that the council lamented the harmful impact of unregulated social media reports which expose citizens to greater danger, especially when ransom demands and sensitive security details are publicised.

The council urged residents to avoid night farming and limit activities that may expose them to harm, while encouraging prompt reporting of suspicious movements to security agencies, government officials and traditional rulers.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of victims of the Eruku CAC attack, with the council again commiserating with their families and the community.