Category: Security

… 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

…Council calls for caution on security reporting, backs new safety measures in schools

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday chaired a security council meeting in Ilorin, where military commanders and top government officials reviewed ongoing operations aimed at containing organized kidnapping syndicates in parts of the state.

The meeting came days after the attack on Eruku in Ekiti Local Government. Briefing reporters after the session, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi said the meeting received operational updates and intelligence reports from security agencies on efforts to locate the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of victims.

“We harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident,” Adekimi said. “The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, particularly in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal bases.”

Adekimi confirmed fresh deployments to Kwara, including four tactical police units acting under the directive of President Bola Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. He said these teams include the Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, and Special Weapons and Tactics unit.

Security agencies also briefed the council on arrests linked to the kidnappers’ supply chain. “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 praised the state government’s decision to activate safety protocols in selected schools across the southern part of the state. Adekimi said the measures may be adjusted as new intelligence emerges, especially in light of recent security developments elsewhere in the country.

The briefing noted that joint patrols will intensify across Kwara in the coming days, with special attention to sensitive and high-risk areas ahead of the festive season.

The council expressed concern about what it described as harmful social media conduct that undermines security operations. “The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors,” Adekimi told journalists. “For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.”

Citizens were advised to avoid night farming and other late-hour activities that may expose them to danger. The council also urged the public to quickly report suspicious movements to security agencies or traditional authorities.

The meeting closed with a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the Eruku attack.

…AbdulRazaq pledges full support as operations intensify across Ekiti Local Government

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and surrounding areas in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church on Monday.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the directive in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the President has also instructed the police to track down the perpetrators behind the attack. Tinubu said the security breach, along with the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, demanded urgent response and sustained action.

As a result of the situation, President Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa for the G20 Summit and his scheduled attendance at the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola. The President is awaiting further briefings from security agencies and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is currently in Kebbi State on his behalf.

Tinubu stressed that security agencies must do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls and bring those responsible for the attack in Kwara to justice. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would remain firm and responsive in restoring safety in affected communities.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has assured residents that the state government will continue to support security agencies with needed logistics and resources to stabilise the area.

Speaking through his media team, the Governor said the deployment aligns with his earlier request to the presidency for increased military and police presence in Eruku and its adjoining communities. He noted that his administration has been in close coordination with security formations since the attack and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.

Governor AbdulRazaq appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activity as operations continue across riverine borders and forests within the area.

He added that the government will not relent in its efforts to strengthen community security frameworks and enhance response mechanisms across the state.

The situation has drawn wide concern from community leaders and civil society organisations who have called for lasting solutions to insecurity threatening farming and border communities in the region.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested that more and urgent security deployment be made to Ekiti Local Government Area, especially Eruku axis, to immediately curtail the new wave of attacks in the area.

“The Governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately. The Governor wholly condemns the unconscionable attack, sympathises and identifies with the people of Eruku and environs, especially families and the CAC directly impacted by the condemnable attack of Tuesday.

“The state government will continue to support the security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure safety of lives and properties across the state.”

The Governor, similarly, commended President Bola Tinubu for the deployment of 900 additional troops in Kwara, saying this is expected to strengthen security in the state.

“We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the President for this. We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” the statement added.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 19, 2025

… 142 New Constables Complete Training in Kwara

#KwaraRising

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining peace and public safety.

The Governor gave the commendation on Friday at the closing ceremony of a two-week intelligence training for 142 newly recruited police constables in Ilorin, organized by the Kwara State Police Command.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, the Governor urged the new officers to approach their duties with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to the nation.

“Distinguished constables, as you step into the field, remember the oath you swore to the people of our country. Let integrity be your compass, courage your fuel, and service your legacy,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the new officers had been trained in critical areas such as threat assessment, digital forensics, and community intelligence, which he described as vital to strengthening public safety. He urged them to view every assignment as a patriotic duty to protect lives and prevent crises before they happen.

The Governor also appealed to residents to continue supporting the government and security agencies in their collective efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, said the training was aimed at improving professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency among the new constables. He charged them to uphold the core values of integrity, courage, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

“You are ambassadors of the Force and the face of policing in our communities. The knowledge and skills you have gained must reflect in your daily conduct and interactions with the public,” CP Ojo said.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for fully sponsoring the training and for his consistent support to the State Police Command. The Commissioner also appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun Adeolu Kayode, for his leadership and commitment to professionalism within the Force.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Assistant Inspectors General of Police Baba Adisa Bolanta, Babatunde Ishola Babaita, Fimihan Adeoye, and Tokunbo Owolabi.

…Approves N100m Support for Edu and Patigi Heroes

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented cheques worth N80 million to the families of forest guards and vigilantes who lost their lives in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin areas of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.

The Governor also announced an additional N100 million support package for the families of men from Edu and Patigi who were killed in an ambush by kidnappers in July while defending their communities.

Speaking during the presentation in Ilorin at the weekend, Governor AbdulRazaq praised the courage and patriotism of the fallen heroes, describing them as men who gave their lives for the safety of others.

“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service, and the government cannot but sympathise with the families,” he said. “We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of our state and our country. As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We will keep supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”

Those present at the ceremony included Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Chairman of Ilorin West, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Ladan; Chairman of Asa, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya; and family members of the deceased.

In their remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Yusuf commended the Governor’s compassionate gesture, saying it would bring relief to the bereaved families. They also praised his determination to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the state government has supplied additional logistics support, including motorcycles and fighting equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes stationed in flashpoint communities. The new resources are expected to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in ongoing joint operations with security agencies to secure the state.

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade, supported by heavy equipment, to parts of Kwara State in a renewed onslaught against kidnappers operating from the forests.

Troops and machinery were on Wednesday seen moving through communities in Ifelodun Local Government, particularly around Oke Ode and Babanla, ahead of intensified operations. The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi local governments, where dense forests have served as hideouts for kidnappers staging attacks and abductions for ransom.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had raised the matter with President Bola Tinubu over the weekend during a visit to Jos, commended the President for approving the deployment and the military high command for their intervention.

“We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and properties,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

He expressed confidence that the operation, being conducted under Operation Fasan Yanma, would clear out all threats in the affected areas. “We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and restore lasting calm,” the governor added.

AbdulRazaq also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army for their continued support.

The deployment follows weeks of coordinated attacks by kidnappers in Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, which left several residents dead and many abducted.

…Meets Edu, Patigi Leaders Following Attacks, Vows Support for Victims

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has revealed plans to establish a locally-recruited civilian task force to bolster security in Kwara North, following an emergency meeting with community leaders from Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas. The announcement came during late-night consultations addressing rising kidnapping incidents and violent attacks in the region.

The proposed community defense unit will involve residents trained and equipped to work alongside security agencies, creating a layered response to unique local threats. “Details will be fine-tuned through broader stakeholder consultations to ensure effectiveness and sustainability,” the Governor stated, emphasizing this would complement existing security measures.

AbdulRazaq also pledged direct support for victims of recent violence, including personal visits to affected areas, while vowing that forest guards and hunters killed in recent Ifelodun LGA attacks “will not die in vain.” The meeting further addressed infrastructure needs at the College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and power supply challenges in the axis.