Three personnel of the Nigerian Army have been arrested following an attack on police officers during a routine patrol along the Shao–Malete Expressway in Kwara State, an incident that has raised serious concerns about inter-agency clashes among security operatives.

According to an official situation report from the Shao Police Unit, the incident occurred on Monday, December 23, 2025, at about 5:45 p.m., when a police patrol team intercepted two motorcycles while conducting routine security checks along the busy expressway. The patrol was part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety in the area.

The report stated that the motorcycles were occupied by three individuals who were later identified as personnel of the Nigerian Army. Upon being stopped by the police officers, the occupants allegedly alighted from the motorcycles and confronted the patrol team in an aggressive manner. The situation reportedly escalated quickly, with the soldiers attempting to disarm the police officers and physically assaulting them.

During the confrontation, one of the officers, identified as Police Constable Abdulganiyu Abdullateef, sustained injuries while trying to restrain the attackers and defend himself. The severity of the altercation forced the patrol team to immediately call for reinforcement from their division.

However, before additional police officers could arrive at the scene, the suspected soldiers fled. One civilian suspect, identified as Saka Suleiman, a male resident of Shao who was riding one of the motorcycles, was arrested at the scene. During interrogation, Suleiman reportedly disclosed the identity of one of the fleeing soldiers as Saka Jamiu, also a native of Shao.

Following intelligence-led investigations, police operatives launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects. In the early hours of Tuesday, December 24, 2025, at about 1:00 a.m., the police successfully arrested three suspects identified as Atunwa Adekunle, Ishola Awolola, and Saka Jamiu. All three are male natives of Shao and confirmed members of the Nigerian Army.

A dagger knife was reportedly recovered from the suspects during their arrest, further raising concerns about the potential level of violence involved in the incident. The police noted that the recovered weapon has been documented as part of the ongoing investigation.

The situation report confirmed that arrangements are underway to transfer the arrested army personnel to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Ilorin for further discreet and comprehensive investigation. Authorities stated that the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, establish accountability, and guide appropriate disciplinary or legal action.

The police command assured the public that the matter would be handled professionally and transparently, emphasizing that no individual or group is above the law, regardless of rank or affiliation. Officials reiterated the importance of cooperation and mutual respect between security agencies to prevent incidents that could undermine public confidence and internal security.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about coordination challenges among Nigeria’s security agencies and the need for stronger inter-agency protocols to prevent clashes that could endanger lives and compromise public safety.