Category: Security

•Says initiative a game changer to strengthen security architecture
•Deployment is immediate, respect RoE: NSA

About a thousand forest guards had their passing out parade in Kwara State on Saturday ahead of full deployment to curtail the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, and illegal miners, among others.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called the initiative a game changer, which he said would leave the terrorists and kidnappers with the option of either leaving the state or paying a heavy prize.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for “thinking out of the box” to repossess Nigeria’s forest resources, expel all the bad faith actors occupying the forests, and strengthen public safety.

Governor AbdulRazaq also thanked the security forces for their commitment to protect lives, saying a synergy with the new auxiliary forces who were all drawn from local communities will strengthen the campaign to fight terrorists and kidnappers.

“Today opens a new page in our campaign against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping, and opportunist attacks on our people by bad faith actors who exploit our vast territories for evil purposes,” he said at the event in Ilorin.

The event was attended by all the security commanders in the state, cabinet members, council chairpersons, traditional rulers, and heads of federal and state agencies and tertiary institutions.

“The enlistment of armed forest guards to complement the patriotic efforts of our security forces is a game changer in this campaign. It shows very clearly that the government is committed to the mission of ridding our country of all forms of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings,” the Governor added.

“And the message is very clear: more than ever before, the terrorists now have the option of immediately leaving our state or paying a heavy price.

“Today’s launch of the forest guards simply means that we are going on the offensive because our people deserve their peace as freeborns. We have had enough! Anyone who thinks or acts otherwise is our enemy who will not be spared.

“Distinguished forest guards, you are embarking on a national assignment to protect our people from all criminals in our forests. Working with gallant officers and personnel of the security forces, you are to go all out to flush out the terrorists, restore sanity in our forests, and keep our communities safer than they ever were.

“I commend the President of the Federal Republic for this bold policy response to the security situation in our country and the larger Sahel Region. I thank the leadership of the National Security Adviser for pulling this through. I am also confident that all the security forces will work together with the forest guards to end this menace once and for all.

“More importantly, I urge the people of Kwara State to work with the security forces and the forest guards to flush out the terrorists and make our state uninhabitable for them.

“While the forest guards are auxiliaries under the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Security, I assure you of our continuous support for this initiative just like we have done throughout your training.

“Working with the ONSA, our plan is to ensure that each local government has at least 200 forest guards who will fortify our forests and work with local vigilantes to protect lives and property.

“I congratulate all the new forest guards. I thank you for agreeing to serve our state, and I reassure you of our continuous support as you embark on this important national security assignment.

“Finally, I thank all the security forces who were involved in the rigorous training programme. You all did so well. God bless you.”

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his part, said the newly trained Forest Guards will be deployed immediately to threatened communities in the pilot states, particularly around forested and ungoverned spaces.

Ribadu said the Presidential Forest Guards initiative is a joint effort between the Federal and State Governments, listing the pilot states to include Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe.

“The mandate of the forest guards is two-fold. First, they are entrusted with guarding our national heritage and charged with protecting, preserving, and sustainably managing our forest ecosystems, watersheds, wildlife, and biodiversity,” he said.

“Second, they serve as a critical force multiplier in our national security architecture, particularly in confronting bandits, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements that are exploiting the vast, ungoverned forest spaces across the country for their heinous crimes.”

Represented by the Assistant Director General for DSS, Femi Shotayo, the NSA added: “Aside from being first responders, these guards are expected to gather actionable human intelligence, support ongoing security operations, and restore state presence where it has long been absent.”

He said the deployment of the guards will be immediate along with payment of salaries and allowances.

Ribadu urged the trainees to abide by their oaths of allegiance to the Nigerian state and to respect human rights, gender rights, and protection of civilians, among other rules of engagement taught at the training.

“The oath of allegiance is not a mere formality; it is a binding pledge of loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, obedience to lawful authority, and commitment to the protection of lives, property, and the Constitution. By this act, you formally accept the sacred responsibility entrusted to you by the Nigerian state. You are henceforth bound to uphold discipline, professionalism, respect for human rights, and the highest standards of conduct in the execution of your duties,” he said.

Highlights of the event included the display of what the guards have learnt about attack and self-defence and operational capabilities to curtail banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, deforestation, and illegal mining.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 27, 2025

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has admitted giving arms to Vigilantes to support security forces in countering terrorism, banditry and other criminal elements in difficult terrains.

A statement by the Head, Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, ONSA, Mr Abu Michael, said pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the ONSA, continued to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.

He stated this while responding to media reports on the Kwara State incident where a rifle issued by the office of the National Security Adviser was recovered.

He urged the media to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.

According to the Spokesman, recent media reports published on some online platforms have made it necessary to clarify ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of the country, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.

He said, “In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries, such as hunters and vigilante elements, to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.

“This approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.

“The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes.

“The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations.”

He noted that details of the incident were being restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.

“Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded,” he added.

He said all hybrid personnel were recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence.

“All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures,”.
He therefore, urged the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of these operations.

“The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons,” he stated.

He further assured that the National Counter Terrorism Centre remained committed to an open-door policy to deepen stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

…says suspects in viral video were arrested outside the state as investigations continue

The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Nigerian Army arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area, describing the reports as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government said no security agency, including the Nigerian Army, carried out any arrest of armed bandits in Ifelodun or any other part of Kwara State.

“The Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in any part of Ifelodun,” the statement said, adding that the government had closely reviewed the viral video in which some suspects claimed they were in possession of a vehicle allegedly given to them by the “Ilorin Government” and weapons supposedly sourced “from Abuja.”

According to the state government, while the content of the video and the circumstances surrounding the suspects are under investigation, available information indicates that the individuals were not arrested in Kwara State. Rather, they were reportedly apprehended in Auchi, Edo State. The government said further details are being awaited to clarify the situation.

The statement also clarified that no state government has the authority to arm individuals with AK-47 rifles, stressing that the suspects did not claim that the Kwara State Government provided them with any weapons.

On the issue of the vehicle mentioned in the video, the government said the Ifelodun Local Government Authority had confirmed that a security van was earlier provided to vigilantes deployed in the area to support security efforts. However, the vigilantes have since left Ifelodun, and the local government had previously reported that the vehicle was not returned to its custody.

The state government called for stronger interagency coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among security agencies as part of efforts to curb banditry and other violent crimes.

It also urged members of the public, especially online media platforms and bloggers, to exercise restraint and avoid misrepresenting security-related information.

“Biased assimilation or misrepresentation of information poses a serious threat to human lives and public peace,” the statement said, assuring residents that security agencies are probing the matter and that the government remains committed to public safety.

…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.

…Charges 2,600 New Forest Guards

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.

… 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.

After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara Kwara.

The Governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees.

The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.

The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.

The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.

The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 23, 2025