By Oso Abidemi
Security agencies in Kwara State have arrested a man alleged to be repairing weapons for bandits, alongside several others accused of supplying food, fuel, and other essentials to criminals hiding in the state’s forests.
The arrests follow last Tuesday’s bandit attack on church worshippers in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo briefed journalists in Ilorin after a State Security Council meeting, where he confirmed that a suspect from Makurdi, Benue State, confessed to fixing guns for kidnappers.
Ojo said the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), have intensified operations, supported by new deployments ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He commended Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for deploying four tactical squads, SWAT, IRT, SIS, and STS to eliminate threats in the state.
According to him, security commanders provided fresh intelligence on the Eruku incident, with air interdictions already dislodging kidnappers from hideouts, particularly in Ifelodun.
The council recommended sustained air bombardment of identified criminal camps.
Ojo revealed that several collaborators supplying food and fuel to the bandits were arrested, as well as the gun-fixing suspect.
The meeting raised concerns about the negative impact of social media on security operations, warning that irresponsible posts, including ransom discussions, put citizens at greater risk. It urged the public to exercise caution and report suspicious activities promptly.
With the Yuletide approaching, the council approved joint patrols across the state and advised residents to avoid night farming and social activities that could expose them to danger.
The meeting also observed a minute’s silence for victims of the Eruku church attack.
The State Security Council routinely reviews security developments within Kwara and its surrounding borders.
