…Routine stop-and-search leads to major breakthrough in ongoing crackdown on kidnapping networks
Police operatives in Kwara State have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered 100 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Gbugbu/Patigi road in Edu Local Government Area.
The arrest comes barely 24 hours after operatives of the Department of State Services apprehended a medical doctor accused of transporting medical supplies from Sokoto State to kidnapping gangs operating within Kwara.
According to security sources, a patrol team attached to the Lafiaji Area Command intercepted a Toyota Corolla with registration number EP 434 ABC at about 7:30 a.m. on Friday. During the search, officers discovered 100 rounds of live ammunition concealed among personal belongings, alongside various charms believed to be used for protection.
The vehicle was driven by one Owolaramfe Rafiu, who was travelling with four other occupants identified as Musa Mohammed, Adam Alhaji Lawal, and Musa Shaibu. All occupants were immediately arrested.
Police authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway to track down the intended recipient of the ammunition, noting that the arrests form part of a broader effort to curb the operations of kidnapping syndicates in the state.
The suspects remain in custody as security agencies intensify their crackdown on criminal networks across Kwara.
…Coordinated Security Operations Yield Arrests of Arms Courier, Suspect, and Medicinal Supplier
Kwara State has recorded significant breakthroughs in counter-banditry operations with the arrest of a key kidnapping syndicate member and an allied medical supplier within 24 hours. The arrests follow the earlier interception of an arms courier transporting 100 rounds of live ammunition along the Gbugbu-Patigi road on Friday.
Police operatives, acting on community intelligence from Oro-Ago in Ifelodun Local Government Area, apprehended Aliu Abubakar at a local motor park. Initially claiming to be visiting an uncle, Abubakar was linked through digital evidence to images brandishing an AK-47 rifle alongside known associates Buba, Auta, and Bello ‘Smally’. Further photographs showed large sums of cash he confessed were proceeds from kidnapping activities.
This operation came hours after the Department of State Services arrested a medical doctor accused of supplying drugs and medication to kidnapping gangs in the state. The suspect is currently aiding investigations with what officials describe as valuable intelligence for ongoing counter-kidnapping missions.
Security authorities confirm the coordinated operations have visibly disrupted resurgent banditry activities, restoring a sense of safety in recently affected communities. The police emphasized continued collaboration with local vigilantes and residents to sustain the gains.
Kwara State Government did not at any time award a contract to the elder brother of the Governor and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, according to a statement on Thursday.
The statement added that a comment attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim that the Governor awarded a contract worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) is false, reckless, ill-conceived, and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.
“At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m. We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim to claim in a radio broadcast that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800m to his elder brother. This is false, baseless, and malicious,” the statement said.
“Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific FG’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr. Alimi. The Governor’s elder brother, Dr. Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.
“Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) — much less award it to anyone in the state. But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.
“Whilst Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conducts long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.
“We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the general public.
“As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible — even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”
Bolanle Olukoju Commissioner for Communications Kwara State Government December 4, 2025
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday visited the Ilorin training ground of the newly recruited 2,600 forest guards to assess their progress and boost their morale as they prepare for deployment across the state.
The governor was received by senior officials overseeing the programme, who briefed him on the structure of the training and the readiness of the recruits. AbdulRazaq moved around the facility, observing drills and interacting with instructors and trainees. His visit, officials said, was a strong signal of the administration’s determination to strengthen security in communities affected by recent threats.
Security trainers at the centre reported that the recruits have recorded steady improvement since the programme began, noting that the hands-on sessions are equipping them for field operations once they are deployed.
The state government has already trained and deployed more than 700 forest guards who now operate alongside conventional security agencies. The new batch is expected to further reinforce surveillance efforts, particularly in rural areas where bandits previously used ungoverned forests as hideouts.
While military operations continue to clear these difficult terrains, the forest guards are expected to help hold the ground and ensure criminals cannot return to the areas. The approach, the government says, is part of a wider strategy to restore calm, protect farmlands, and make rural communities safer.
…State surpasses Nigeria Learning Passport target by more than 280 percent
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has formally commended the Kwara State Government for what it called exceptional progress in digital and blended learning, noting that the state’s accomplishments stand out as a model of strong leadership and clear education policy direction.
In a letter addressed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, UNICEF praised Kwara for exceeding its Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) target for 2025 by a remarkable margin.
UNICEF disclosed that more than 55,900 learners in Kwara are now active on the NLP digital platform, surpassing the state’s earlier target of 20,000 learners by more than 280 per cent. The agency attributed the success to the governor’s commitment to education technology and human capital development, noting that the policies put in place have repositioned Kwara as a national leader in digital learning.
The organisation also commended the government for its investment in resources, technical capacity, and enabling structures that continue to drive digital transformation across public schools.
Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, described the achievement as “remarkable” and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the state as it expands access to digital education. Responding to the commendation, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development said the development reinforces the impact of the governor’s reforms across the education sector.
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies preparations ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, one name continues to resonate with clarity, credibility, and confidence across party structures and communities; Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), former Deputy Governor of Osun State and a proven financial expert with an enviable record of service, humility, and visionary leadership.
Widely respected for his calm disposition, strategic thinking, commitment to people-centered governance and readiness to listen to everyone, BOA has emerged as the most formidable and broadly acceptable aspirant within the APC family. His aspiration is shaped not by personal ambition alone, but by a sincere desire to restore unity within the party, rebuild trust among citizens, and reposition Osun State for accelerated development.
Having served meritoriously as Deputy Governor, BOA brings an insider’s understanding of governance, policy implementation, and what it takes to deliver impactful outcomes. His experience is combined with a refreshing moral compass, deep grassroots connection, and a reputation for integrity; qualities that make him the ideal standard-bearer for APC at a time when competence, credibility, and electability matter most.
BOA’s blueprint for Osun is bold yet practical. His agenda prioritizes mechanized agriculture for food security, robust healthcare delivery, infrastructural renewal, economic expansion, and opportunities for youth, women, artisans, and small businesses. His development philosophy is built on inclusivity; ensuring every zone of Osun feels the presence of government and enjoys equal access to prosperity.
Within the APC, BOA is regarded as a bridge-builder capable of uniting stakeholders, harmonizing interests, and leading a strong, cohesive campaign capable of reclaiming the state. His message has continued to inspire confidence across wards, local governments, and among key opinion leaders who see in him a reliable, visionary, unifier and electable candidate.
At a time when Osun requires stability, strategic development, and leadership with unquestionable character, BOA stands out unmistakably. His candidacy is a promise of renewal; a shift from politics of division to politics of progress; politics of inclusivity and from recycled promises to measurable results.
The All Progressives Congress has a defining choice to make: a choice that will determine not only the strength of the party going into the 2026 election but the future of millions of Osun citizens seeking purposeful leadership.
Hence, For APC, BOA represents the strongest, most trusted, and most prepared option to lead the party to victory and lead Osun to a new dawn.
Benedict Olugboyega Alabi is not just an aspirant; he is the leader Osun needs and the candidate APC can confidently present to the people.
BOA is ready. Osun is ready. APC must now move forward with its best.
The political atmosphere of Kwara State hits positively for the people of Kwara North as all first class traditional rulers from Kwara South agreed to support any candidate from Kwara North to govern the State in 2027, the unanimous decision was reached at the Ajase Ipo Descendants Union Hall where Kwara North traditional rulers engaged with Kwara South traditional rulers on insecurity and Kwara North 2027 Governorship Agenda.
Speaking at the event, the host, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, the Olupo of Ajase Ipo commended the traditional rulers for finding it neccessry to seek their support, he reiterated the commitment of the traditional rulers in Kwara South to support Kwara North 2027 agenda.
Also speaking, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, Olofa of Offa calls for localised security model across Kwara South and Kwara North region, he assure the good people of Kwara North that the traditional rulers in Kwara South will support Kwara North calls for power shift in 2027, Olofa said “In Offa town, we believe in equity and fairness, what Kwara North are asking for is not too much, it’s their right to be the governor of Kwara State in 2027, I have spent 15 years on the throne, I haven’t witness a governor from Kwara North, we the traditional rulers in Kwara South and Kwara North have agreed to support any candidate from Kwara North.”
Etsu Patigi, Dr. Umar Bologi in his remarks appreciate the hosting traditional rulers for listening and their readiness to support Kwara North gubernatorial agenda, he reechoed that it’s important to seek the support of the Kwara South traditional rulers at this time because it’s the turn of Kwara North to govern the state, he told Kwara South traditional rulers that Kwara North has been a long time supporter of Kwara South in previous years, his colleagues from Lafiagi, the revered Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammad Kudu Kawu assured the traditional rulers that Kwara North leadership won’t relent in their pursuit ” We won’t relent in our fight against insecurities in our lands across Kwara North, we have agreed on a uniform local security outfits to send them away from our lands, having said that, this gathering is historical, it has never happened before, our traditional rulers decided to come and seek the Kwara South Traditional Rulers support ahead of the history we are going to make in 2027 when a Kwara Northerner will emerge as the governor of this state, we have never been this united in our aspirations before, we won’t relent, we are going to meet everyone involved in decision making, untill we achieve our aims. We have equally send strong warnings to the saboteurs within our region to take caution, Kwara North Agenda 2027 is our collective efforts.”
Elese of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola and Olomu of Omuaran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti calls for a localized security channels to combat insecurity ravaging Kwara South and Kwara North, they reiterated the voices of their colleagues in supporting the bid of Kwara South to govern the state in 2027.
Other traditional leaders present at the event includes; Alofa of Ilofa, Olosi of Osi, Emir of Yashikira, Emir of Okuta, Olupako of Share, Etsu Tsaragi, Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Emir of Kaiama, Elerin of Erin-Ile.
The event followed earlier resolution by the Kwara North Traditional Rulers to decisively support their son/daughter to govern Kwara by 2027.
…event opens with unveiling of new state AI-powered portal and wide stakeholder engagement
The Kwara AI Summit 2025 opened on Wednesday with strong attendance and major technology announcements, marking a significant step in the state’s push to position itself as a leader in Nigeria’s emerging artificial intelligence landscape. Flow FM 92.7 was among the media organisations present at the opening ceremony.
The two-day summit, taking place at the Ilorin Innovation Hub (IIH), drew government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and hundreds of participants. Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe said the summit reflects the administration’s drive to secure Kwara’s future through digital inclusion and AI-powered public services.
Commissioners from Works, Youth Development, Water Resources, Tertiary Education, and Business, Innovation and Technology were in attendance, alongside tech partners, university representatives, and start-ups.
A highlight of the day was a glimpse into the new AI-enabled Kwara State Portal. The platform was demonstrated by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Adelodun, and IIH Managing Director Temi Kolawole. The portal includes features like the human chat digital assistant, a misinformation verification tool, access to government documents and press materials, and a digital workflow connected to the state’s GIS system aimed at easing Certificate of Occupancy applications.
The programme continued with a panel session titled AI in Harmony, where speakers discussed the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, ethical guidelines for deployment, and Nigeria’s competitive advantage if properly positioned. Panelists agreed that regulation, local capacity building, and public trust will determine how AI benefits communities.
Breakout activities followed, including a Core AI Track focused on technical systems, a Creative Economics Track looking at the future workforce and business use cases, and a Youth Hackathon where students worked on real-world AI problem-solving.
Flow FM’s Assistant General Manager, Obasa Olubanke, attended the first day of the summit after receiving a formal invitation from IIH. The station’s Chairman and Stëfolga Group Managing Director, Engr. Chief Olufemi Sanni Araba, was acknowledged by organisers for the station’s role in supporting innovation-focused conversations in the state.
Day one concluded with positive feedback from participants who described the summit as timely in view of global technological shifts. The day 2 continues on Friday the 28th of November.
… Panel to Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement on Security
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has set up a cabinet-level security committee to explore and recommend short, medium, and long term measures aimed at preventing further security breaches across the state. The committee is chaired by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, while Mrs. Olufunke Mercy Shittu of the Office of the Head of Service will serve as the secretary.
Other members include the Special Adviser on Security Matters Brigadier General Saliu Tunde Bello, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Abdullahi Bata, Senior Special Assistant on Security Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu, Special Assistant on Security Alhaji Moshood Gobir, and one local government chairman from each senatorial district. According to the government, the panel will hold exclusive engagements with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to help develop a homegrown and practical security framework that reflects the realities of communities across the state.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks. The document will guide further decisions of government and offer a local understanding that aligns with ongoing national security conversations.
…Says operation restored hope, strengthened public confidence in government
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, has formally commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what it described as swift and coordinated action that led to the rescue of 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
In a letter addressed to the Governor and signed by the State Chairman of CAN, Rt. Revd Sunday Timothy Adewole, the Christian body expressed deep appreciation for the outcome of the operation, describing it as a decisive moment that reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to the safety and well-being of residents.
“On behalf of the entire Christian community under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, we write to express our profound gratitude to Your Excellency for the swift, courageous, and coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku,” the letter read.
CAN said the rescue has brought relief and renewed confidence to families, communities, and religious institutions across the state. It praised the efforts of security agencies, community leaders, and every party involved, describing the operation as an example of purposeful leadership and teamwork.
“This remarkable intervention has not only restored hope to the affected families and the body of Christ, but it has also reaffirmed your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety, peace, and security of all residents of Kwara State,” CAN stated.
The letter also prayed for continued wisdom and protection for the Governor, while calling on religious communities to sustain prayers for peace in Kwara and the nation. “We also pray that God Himself will arise and defeat all agents of violence, terror, and destruction working against the peace of our state and the nation,” the association wrote. It concluded with assurances of respect and continued cooperation with the government in efforts to maintain harmony and security across Kwara State.
