Police Arrest 32 Suspected Bandits In Kwara As Two Niger Nationals Identified Among Suspects

 

Security Operatives Conduct Intelligence-Led Raids Across Forest Corridors Targeting Kidnapping And Cattle Rustling Networks

 

By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Correspondent Reporting Live From Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

 

Security operatives in Kwara State have arrested 32 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent criminal activities across several rural communities in the state.

 

The arrests followed intelligence-driven operations carried out by the Kwara State Police Command in collaboration with detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The coordinated operation targeted criminal networks believed to be operating within forest corridors and remote settlements.

 

Authorities confirmed that among those arrested were two foreign nationals from Niger Republic. Investigators are currently examining their roles and possible connections to cross-border criminal activities in the region.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers involved in the operation for their efforts in dismantling suspected criminal networks and improving security within affected communities.

 

Police authorities stated that the suspects were apprehended during a series of coordinated raids carried out in multiple locations across the state. Areas where the operations were conducted include Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and Babanla.

 

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects belong to several criminal groups that reportedly use forested areas as operational bases for their activities. These locations have previously been linked to cases of kidnapping and cattle rustling affecting nearby communities.

 

Officials noted that intelligence gathering played a key role in tracking the suspects and identifying their hideouts before the raids were executed by security personnel.

 

Police authorities also indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify other possible collaborators connected to the criminal networks.