Category: Security

…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.

Training for new recruits to commence this week as state steps up fight against banditry

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards as part of intensified efforts to tackle security challenges, particularly in parts of Kwara North and South.

The new recruits will join the 700 forest guards earlier engaged, who are already working with security agencies on the frontline to combat banditry and protect communities.

According to the Governor’s media aide, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, the recruits will begin training this week. Like their predecessors, they will undergo advanced military training, including the handling of sophisticated weapons and modern counter-insurgency strategies.

The move, Fafoluyi said, underscores Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring that criminal elements are rooted out to restore lasting peace.

…Governor AbdulRazaq visits Oke Ode, meets community leaders as crackdown intensifies across state

Security forces in Kwara have killed notorious kidnap kingpin Maidawa and several of his associates in fierce engagements over the weekend along the Kwara–Kogi border.

Intercepted communications obtained by the Department of State Services confirmed Maidawa’s death, which was disclosed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation with his associates in Katsina State. The message was reportedly passed along the Igboro–Idofin road.

Maidawa, long feared for orchestrating kidnappings and attacks on civilian populations, was eliminated as part of sting operations in parts of Kwara South and North, following urgent interventions sought by the state government.

The operations, which are ongoing, are targeting flashpoints where kidnappers have recently operated, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. Security sources said the aim is to dismantle all hideouts used by criminal gangs who abduct people for ransom.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, meanwhile, visited Oke Ode, Ifelodun LGA on Thursday in company of security commanders and top government officials to reassure residents of government’s support and solidarity.

The Governor addressed community leaders in Oke Ode and is also billed to meet with leaders from Edu and Patigi LGAs later today to brief them on coordinated efforts between the state government, Federal Government, and security agencies to keep communities safe.

“The renewed operations are meant to send a strong signal that criminals have no hiding place in Kwara,” the Governor told residents, urging calm and cooperation with security agencies.

Authorities say the crackdown will continue until all threats are eliminated and peace is restored across the affected areas.

…Residents in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun LGAs urged to stay vigilant, limit outdoor movement

The Kwara State Government has advised residents, particularly those living in communities within Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun Local Government Areas, to exercise caution and limit non-essential movements as security operations against kidnappers intensify.

The advisory comes amid heightened raids by combined security forces on suspected criminal hideouts in border areas between Kwara and Kogi States.

“We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines. That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,” the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Olukoju expressed government’s regret over any temporary inconveniences the advisory may cause, but stressed the need to prioritise public safety.

She commended the security forces for their renewed onslaught against criminal elements and charged them to sustain the momentum until all hideouts are dismantled and the perpetrators neutralised.

“The government commends the security forces for the renewed efforts to rout out the criminals and charges them to continue until they are totally flushed out of our forests,” the statement added.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission to restore peace and safety across the state.

…Governor mourns forest guards, civilians lost in Sunday incident as Army HQ orders GOC relocation to Kwara

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for increased security deployments across the state following deadly attacks in Oke Ode and surrounding areas of Ifelodun Local Government.

In a statement on Sunday, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of forest guards and residents who fell victim to the early morning assault. He praised the courage of the guards and local hunters who resisted the assailants, saying their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces,” he said.

The Governor acknowledged the concerns of citizens and emphasised that more military presence was needed to fully dislodge criminal elements in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.

“While we appreciate the efforts and unquantifiable sacrifices of the security forces as well as the successes so far, we definitely need to do a lot more until we are completely out of the wood,” he added.

Governor AbdulRazaq also appealed to residents to remain calm and not turn on one another, noting that unity and vigilance were vital in confronting insecurity.

He commended the forest guards and hunters for their bravery, acknowledging that although five of their members were lost, they were able to neutralise several of the attackers.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Ibadan, to immediately relocate to Kwara State to strengthen coordination and boost military response to the incident.