Kwara Police Clear, Release Six ‘Armed Men’ Initially Linked to Miyetti Allah After Investigation, Say They Are Legitimate Vigilantes in Federal Security Operation Against Banditry
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the investigation and release of six armed men earlier alleged to be members of Miyetti Allah, stating that the individuals were legitimate vigilante operatives working with recognised security agencies in a federal security operation.
The men were initially arrested by Nigerian Army personnel along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Their interception, reportedly with AK-47 rifles, triggered widespread concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara Police Command by the 22 Armoured Brigade for investigation and profiling. According to police findings, the men were exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing and identified as members of a vigilante group collaborating with security agencies in efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities. They were subsequently released to their leaders.
Earlier, the Kwara State Government had clarified that the men were part of a federal security initiative coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). This followed public outrage after reports suggested soldiers had intercepted armed individuals believed to be bandits, who allegedly claimed sponsorship by the “Ilorin government.”
Further explanations by state officials revealed that the individuals were members of Miyetti Allah incorporated into a Joint Task Force–style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area in September 2025. According to the governor’s aides, the operation involved recognised security officers alongside local vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members, with logistical support provided through local government channels.
Officials also disclosed that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with a patrol vehicle, prompting security agencies to track and arrest them in Edo State. The state government later requested the return of the vehicle. Authorities clarified that the suspects were neither arrested within Kwara nor linked to any bandit activity.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration and lawful community-based security operations, assuring residents that security agencies remain focused on safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the investigation and release of six armed men earlier alleged to be members of Miyetti Allah, stating that the individuals were legitimate vigilante operatives working with recognised security agencies in a federal security operation.
The men were initially arrested by Nigerian Army personnel along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Their interception, reportedly with AK-47 rifles, triggered widespread concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara Police Command by the 22 Armoured Brigade for investigation and profiling. According to police findings, the men were exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing and identified as members of a vigilante group collaborating with security agencies in efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities. They were subsequently released to their leaders.
Earlier, the Kwara State Government had clarified that the men were part of a federal security initiative coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). This followed public outrage after reports suggested soldiers had intercepted armed individuals believed to be bandits, who allegedly claimed sponsorship by the “Ilorin government.”
Further explanations by state officials revealed that the individuals were members of Miyetti Allah incorporated into a Joint Task Force–style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area in September 2025. According to the governor’s aides, the operation involved recognised security officers alongside local vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members, with logistical support provided through local government channels.
Officials also disclosed that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with a patrol vehicle, prompting security agencies to track and arrest them in Edo State. The state government later requested the return of the vehicle. Authorities clarified that the suspects were neither arrested within Kwara nor linked to any bandit activity.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration and lawful community-based security operations, assuring residents that security agencies remain focused on safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.
Kwara Police Clear, Release Six ‘Armed Men’ Initially Linked to Miyetti Allah After Investigation, Say They Are Legitimate Vigilantes in Federal Security Operation Against Banditry
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the investigation and release of six armed men earlier alleged to be members of Miyetti Allah, stating that the individuals were legitimate vigilante operatives working with recognised security agencies in a federal security operation.
The men were initially arrested by Nigerian Army personnel along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Their interception, reportedly with AK-47 rifles, triggered widespread concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara Police Command by the 22 Armoured Brigade for investigation and profiling. According to police findings, the men were exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing and identified as members of a vigilante group collaborating with security agencies in efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities. They were subsequently released to their leaders.
Earlier, the Kwara State Government had clarified that the men were part of a federal security initiative coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). This followed public outrage after reports suggested soldiers had intercepted armed individuals believed to be bandits, who allegedly claimed sponsorship by the “Ilorin government.”
Further explanations by state officials revealed that the individuals were members of Miyetti Allah incorporated into a Joint Task Force–style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area in September 2025. According to the governor’s aides, the operation involved recognised security officers alongside local vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members, with logistical support provided through local government channels.
Officials also disclosed that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with a patrol vehicle, prompting security agencies to track and arrest them in Edo State. The state government later requested the return of the vehicle. Authorities clarified that the suspects were neither arrested within Kwara nor linked to any bandit activity.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration and lawful community-based security operations, assuring residents that security agencies remain focused on safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.
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