How Bandits Relocated From Niger Republic to Kwara–Niger Forests Before Police Intercepted Their Escape

An investigation has uncovered how armed bandits migrated from Niger Republic into forest corridors in Kwara and Niger states, establishing fortified bases used for kidnapping, robbery, cattle rustling, and cross-border operations. The criminals, pressured by intensified military and police raids, attempted a coordinated escape from Gbubu Forest but were intercepted by the Nigeria Police IRT, leading to the arrest of seven suspects from Nigeria and Niger Republic. The suspects confessed to belonging to multiple syndicates and described how porous borders, forest networks, and local collaborators aided their activities. Authorities say more arrests are expected as operations continue.

Kwara Police Arrest Kidnapping Kingpin After DSS Detains Doctor Treating Bandits

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Aliu Abubakar, just hours after the DSS detained a medical doctor accused of providing drugs and medical treatment to armed groups operating in the Kwara–Niger forest belt. Abubakar was apprehended at Oro-Ago Motor Park following community intelligence, with digital forensics reportedly revealing photos of him wielding an AK-47, posing with gang members, and displaying cash believed to be ransom proceeds.
The arrest is linked to an ongoing security sweep that recently intercepted ammunition couriers tied to the same network. Authorities say the coordinated crackdown is exposing the financial, logistical and medical support systems sustaining kidnapping operations in rural communities. The suspect is in custody and providing actionable intelligence expected to lead to more arrests.


#KwaraSecurity

#KidnappingKingpin

#DSSArrests

Kwara Governor Accused of Paying Monarchs Millions to Back 2027 Agenda Amid Worsening Insecurity

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reportedly approved millions of naira for first-class traditional rulers to secure their endorsement of his 2027 succession plan. Sources say the monarchs are being mobilised for a coordinated visit to President Tinubu to publicly support the governor’s zoning agenda favouring Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu. The alleged political manoeuvre comes as insecurity worsens across Kwara North and South, with rampant kidnappings, killings, and community attacks. Youth groups and stakeholders have criticised the monarchs for prioritising politics over the safety and welfare of residents.

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.

Kwara Police Intercept 100 Rounds of AK-47 Ammunition, Arrest Four Arms Couriers in Edu LGA

The Kwara State Police Command has intercepted 100 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and arrested four suspected arms suppliers along the Gbugbu–Patigi Road in Edu LGA.
CP Ojo Adekimi confirmed that the suspects were caught after officers flagged down a Toyota Corolla during a routine stop-and-search. The ammunition was found hidden among luggage alongside protective charms. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the rounds were allegedly picked up in Nasarawa and destined for an unidentified receiver in Gbugbu.
The command also arrested a suspected kidnapper, Aliu Abubakar, who was found with images of himself and accomplices posing with rifles and cash believed to be ransom proceeds. Police say he is providing useful intelligence to ongoing operations.

Barely 24hrs after a medical doctor was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services for transporting medical supplies from Sokoto State to kidnapping gangs operating in Kwara State, the Police have arrested an arms courier along Gbugbu/Patigi road in Kwara state.

Tinubu Constitutes Boards of NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

…Appoints Chairmen, Executive Directors, Zonal Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with appointments reflecting federal character and professional expertise.

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board.

New zonal representatives appointed to the board are:

South East: Uchendu Ikechi

Mbaegbulem
South South:

Gift Ngo
South West:

Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola
North East:

Dr Meiro Mandara
North West:

Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa
North Central:

Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

The Chairman and members shall serve an initial four-year term.

Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Three Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors were also named:

Executive Directors
Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Corporate Services

Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Risk Management and Strategy
Hakeem

Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Operations

Non-Executive Directors

Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East

Charles Amuchienwa – South East

Oladejo Odunuga – South West

Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West

Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer Chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, was appointed Chairman of the NADF Board (representing North West).

Other board members include:

Dr Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South South) – Financial Consultant and Seasoned Banker

Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North West) – Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants

Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South West) – Engineer and Businessman

Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North East) – Founder, New Frontier Developments Ltd; former Non-Executive Director, Access Bank

Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North Central)

Felix Achibiri (Imo/South East) – Group Director, Genesis Energy Holdings; Chairman/CEO, DFC Holdings Limited

The appointments follow the October 2023 naming of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF.

The new boards are expected to drive agricultural financing, rural development, and universal basic education delivery across the country.

Just In: The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abducti0n of two Chinese nationals working at a road construction site in the state.

The victims were part of the team handling the BUA Bode Saadu/Kaiama/Kosubosu road project when the armed men struck.

DSS Arrests Doctor Supplying Medical Drugs to Kidnapping Gangs in Kwara

The Department of State Services has detained a medical doctor in Jebba, Kwara State, for allegedly transporting essential medical supplies from Sokoto to kidnapping gangs operating in forest areas. Authorities say the criminal networks have become increasingly desperate for medical care after sustaining gunshot wounds in clashes with security forces. The Kwara government has urged health facilities in remote areas to strengthen security. The development comes amid the recent kidnapping of two Chinese nationals working at a BUA road construction site in the state.

Second Republic Senator Isa Obaro of Old Kwara State Dies at 89

Former Second Republic senator, Isa Abonyi Obaro, who represented the old Kwara South (now Kogi Central) under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), has passed away.
Obaro was widely respected as a legal luminary and a committed advocate for the Ebira people. Before joining politics, he served in the Federal Civil Service between 1958 and 1960, later building a notable legal career from 1963–1968 and 1975–1979.
He also served as a commissioner in the Kwara State Executive Council from 1968 to 1975, and during his Senate tenure, contributed to major legislative work, including the Committee on Trade and Industries.

Gunmen Abduct Two Chinese Workers at BUA Construction Site in Kwara, Residents Panic as Kidnappings Surge

Two Chinese nationals working on the Bode Saadu–Kaiama–Kosubosu road project in Kwara State have been abducted by gunmen who stormed the BUA construction site on December 1. The attackers, who fired sporadically for hours, whisked the expatriates away to an unknown location with no contact made since the incident. The kidnapping comes amid a spike in violent attacks across Kwara North and South, including recent abductions of six beans farmers in Patigi and several other terror-related incidents. Widespread fear continues to grip communities as residents flee and farming activities decline due to relentless insecurity.

Bandits Attack Ekiti Community, Engage Security in Gunfight as All Kidnap Victims Are Rescued

Armed bandits raided the Gaa Fulani community in Iye-Mero, Ikole LGA of Ekiti State on Wednesday evening, abducting residents and looting valuables. The attackers were intercepted by local security operatives and soldiers, leading to a prolonged gunfight across the Ekiti–Kwara–Kogi forest corridor. The bandits eventually abandoned all kidnapped victims and fled. The attack occurred amid rising tensions in nearby Kogi State, where protests over insecurity earlier resulted in the deaths of two youths after security forces reportedly opened fire.


#EkitiAttack

#Banditry_in_Nigeria

BREAKING: Armed bandits who kidnapp€d 10 people in Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have issued a one-week ultimatum to the community to pay a N300 million ransom for the release of the victims.

Source: Leadership newspaper

Kwara Monarch Rafiu Salami Still in Kidnappers’ Custody Five Days After Abduction, Community Confirms

The Oba of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, remains in the custody of his abductors five days after he was kidnapped on his farm in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State. Community spokesperson Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla confirmed he spoke with the monarch on Tuesday, with the ruler stating he has been held at the same location since the incident. Ayinla dismissed widespread rumours that local hunters had rescued the monarch, calling such claims false and misleading. He added that aside from sympathy visits by a councillor and neighbouring traditional rulers, no government or police officials have formally visited the community. The royal family urged the public and media to verify information directly from them to curb misinformation as efforts continue toward the monarch’s safe release.



#Kwaramonarchkidnapped

#ObaRafiuSalamiabduction

UMZA Air Launches Abuja–Ilorin Flights With Fares Up to 60% Lower Than Market Rates

UMZA Air has officially launched its Abuja–Ilorin route, offering fares between N145,000 and N180,000—about 60% lower than current market prices. The airline says the discounted rate is permanent and not a promotional offer, triggering strong early ticket demand.
The carrier plans to deploy a G-400 XR turboprop and has met all regulatory requirements of the NCAA. Analysts say UMZA’s entry could break existing fare monopolies on the route and provide long-awaited relief for travellers across Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and neighbouring states. The airline currently operates across Lagos, Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Maiduguri, and Kebbi, expanding affordability in domestic air travel.


#UMZAAir

#Abuja–IlorinFlights

#CheapFlightsNigeria

BREAKING NEWS: The 38 church worshippers earlier abducted by gunm€n in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally reunited with their families

Terrorists Attack Kwara Community, Kidnap Housewife, Shoot Relative, Demand N100m Ransom



Gunmen invaded Igbo Ofe Ora near Oke-Ode in Kwara State, abducting a housewife identified as Rukayat and shooting her brother-in-law, Abdulateef. Family sources say the attackers stormed the village around 11 a.m., firing sporadically before taking the woman away. The kidnappers have since demanded a ₦100 million ransom, while the injured victim is receiving treatment as tension mounts in the community.

#Terrorists
#KwaraAttack
#Kidnapping
#NigeriaSecurity

Former Kwara Poly Student Killed in Suspected Cult Clash as School Confirms Arrests



A former student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Oyelade Habeeb Olawale, was killed in a cult-related clash on campus, prompting immediate arrests by school security. The institution condemned the incident, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, and assured that normalcy has been restored while police investigations continue.

Terrorists Ambush Traders on Kwara–Kogi Road, Multiple Feared Kidnapped in Fresh Attack




Terrorists on Tuesday, December 2, ambushed traders traveling from Koro in Kwara State to Egbe in Kogi State for the weekly Ebu Market Day. The attackers intercepted vehicles along the Koro–Egbe route, kidnapping an unspecified number of passengers. The incident has intensified fear in border communities already plagued by rising criminal activity.
This assault follows a recent attack on the Oshokoshoko–Obajana highway in Kogi State, where gunmen took control of the road, leaving commuters stranded for hours amid gunfire between security forces and the attackers. Distressed travelers captured video footage pleading for urgent government intervention as insecurity in the region continues to escalate.

Wahala!!!
Over 15,000 people currently on H!V treatment in Kwara State🧎🏻‍♂️‍➡️