Police arrest suspected terrorist in Kwara

A 20-year-old suspect, Mallami Abubakar, is being detained in the facility of the Kwara State Police Command over alleged links with the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Lakurawa terrorist organisations in Nigeria.

PUNCH Online, learnt that a joint patrol team comprising police operatives, members of the National Forest Guards and the Kaiama Vigilante Group picked up the suspect last Thursday in Nanu, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state during a routine patrol.

Prior to Abubakar’s arrest, an accomplice simply identified as ‘Babi’ reportedly contacted him for a journey to Farinsuni via Baruten Local Government Area of the state, with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa.

The suspect hails from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State.

Confirming the development in a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday, the spokesperson of the state police command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command has launched a probe to ascertain the level of his involvement and to apprehend others linked to the matter.

The statement titled “Arrest of suspected bandit member in Kaiama,” quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, as reiterating his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

:It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful arrest of a suspected bandit as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities within the area.

“On April 1, 2026, at about 0800 hours, a joint patrol team comprising police operatives, the National Forest Guards, and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group (KVG), while on routine patrol in Nanu, intercepted and arrested one Mallami Abubakar, a 20-year-old male from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State.

“Preliminary investigation and interrogation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been contacted on March 30, 2026, by a friend identified as ‘Babi’ (surname unknown) from Babana Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The individual reportedly invited him to travel to Farinsuni via Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa before his arrest.

“The suspect is currently in police custody, and a full investigation is ongoing to ascertain the extent of his involvement and to apprehend other individuals connected to the case,” the statement partly read.