Man fixing, supplying guns among bandits’ logistics suppliers arrested in Kwara

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

A yet- to- be identified man from Makurdi allegedly repairing and supplying guns to bandits operating in Kwara was among suspects in police net for supplying food, drugs and other essentials to bandits in remote hideouts in the state.

Kwara Police Commissioner, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this on Friday after the state security council meeting at the Government House, Ilorin.

The Police Commissioner also decried what he described as the harmful effects of social media on operations against insurgents in the state.

He praised the Military, Police and the DSS for recent deployments in Kwara, which he said aligned with directives issued by President Bola Tinubu.

He also lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying four tactical teams, including SWAT, IRT, SIS and STS, to address emerging threats.

Ojo said the meeting reviewed intelligence gathered after the recent bandit attack in Eruku, including ongoing efforts to track the perpetrators and rescue victims.

He noted the council welcomed increased deployments, including air interdictions that had forced kidnappers from several hideouts, especially in Ifelodun.

The council, he said, called for continued air bombardments of identified criminal enclaves across the state to deter further attacks.

Ojo added that the Police and DSS recorded arrests of fuel and food suppliers linked to bandits, including a Makurdi suspect who confessed to fixing weapons.

He said the meeting approved joint patrols by security forces across the state as the Yuletide period draws near.

It also recommended stronger security measures around areas considered vulnerable to criminal attacks.

On the damaging influence of social media in the fight against violent non-state actors, Ojo noted that members expressed concern over how sensitive information, including ransom demands, is spread, putting citizens at greater risk.

The council urged the public to exercise caution in sharing information online for the sake of collective safety.

It also advised residents to avoid night farming and late outings that could expose them to danger.

Ojo said citizens were encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, government officials and traditional rulers.

(NAN)