A major breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against banditry in northern Nigeria after the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of 32 suspected criminals during coordinated security operations in Kwara State.
The development was announced as the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, visited Kaima in Kwara State to assess ongoing security operations and encourage officers involved in the crackdown.
The operation, carried out by the Kwara State Police Command alongside the Intelligence Response Team, targeted criminal groups accused of kidnapping, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities.
Authorities say the Kwara bandit suspects arrest followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated security raids across several forest corridors known to be used by criminal gangs.
During the visit, the police chief praised officers for their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks operating in remote parts of the state.
He explained that the arrests were the result of careful planning and cooperation between security agencies.
Police authorities also disclosed that the suspects were linked to several gangs operating in forests across the region. These hideouts include Awe Forest, Kaima Forest, Pajigi Forest, Gbugbu Forest, Charaji Forest and Baballa Forest.
Security officials believe these locations have served as major camps for bandits responsible for kidnappings and attacks in surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, investigations revealed that two of the suspects arrested during the operation are foreign nationals from the Niger Republic. The rest of the suspects arrested during the joint operation include Abubakar
Mohammed, 25; Abubakar Manu, 30;
Iaris Auwal, 18; Dahiru Ahmad, 25;
Iliyasu Umar, 38; Usman Mati, 30; Umar Mohammed, 25; Muhammad Ali also known as Jabbi, 30; Ibrahim Saidu;
Mohammed Audu; Mohammed Sami,
65; Musa Ado, 65; Abubakar Adamu,
26; Mohammed Zangina, 23; Abubakar Shaibu, 20; Mohammed Salihu, 25;
Mohammed Musa, 23; Abubakar Sani,
25; Yusufa Isah, 22; Mohammed Ibrahim also known as Iro, 21; Yusuf Isah, 60;
Dahiru Adamu, 50; Adamu Mohammed,
58; Abdullahi Abubakar, 35; Mohammed Lawal, 40; Zubaru Abubakar, 35; Shaibu Usman, 35; Abubakar Usman also known as Siddi, According to police findings, the individuals were allegedly involved in cross-border collaboration with bandit groups operating in forest settlements.
One of the criminal groups uncovered during interrogation is known as the Ori gang. Investigators believe the gang has been involved in multiple kidnapping incidents across rural communities.
Intelligence reports also revealed that bandit camps were previously established within the Gugu Forest. However, coordinated airstrike operations by security forces forced many of the criminals to abandon their hideouts.
Consequently, several suspects were arrested while attempting to escape from the forest locations during the ongoing operations.
Furthermore, investigators uncovered the activities of individuals suspected of supporting the criminal gangs with logistics and communication tools.
Among those arrested is Umar Mohammed, a suspect from Jos in Plateau State. Police allege that he supplied walkie-talkie communication devices used by bandits to coordinate attacks and evade security operatives.
Search operations conducted during the raids also led to the recovery of several items linked to the suspects. Authorities confirmed that three cartons of walkie-talkie devices were recovered during the operation.
In addition, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were seized from locations connected to the suspects. Police officials said the recovered items have been secured as exhibits while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, further findings revealed that informants and local guides were helping bandits move between locations undetected.
One suspect was reportedly responsible for helping bandits cross rivers to avoid road patrols. He was arrested alongside members of his family while attempting to ferry armed bandits from Kwara State to Bauchi State.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he had been promised N100,000 for assisting the criminals.
Police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect who attempted to sell cattle stolen by bandits. Investigators said the suspect was intercepted after the rightful owners recognised the animals at the market.
Another suspect identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, was arrested in Masallachi Village. Police described him as a TikTok user who allegedly displayed ransom money obtained from kidnapping on social media.
Additionally, authorities confirmed the arrest of an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Ishak Mohammed, who is being questioned over alleged links to the supply of ammunition to bandit groups.
Several other suspects were arrested during the operation as investigations expanded across the affected communities.
Speaking during his visit, the Inspector-General of Police explained that the arrests were part of a wider strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in forest corridors across northern Nigeria.
He praised the officers involved in the operation and noted that public cooperation had contributed significantly to the success recorded so far.
The police chief also urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
According to him, community support remains essential in the fight against banditry and organised crime.
Disu assured that all suspects currently in custody would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law.
