The Kwara State Government has rejected reports claiming that the Nigerian Army arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Officials described the claims as false and capable of causing public panic.
In a statement released on Sunday night, the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, said no security agency carried out such an operation in Ifelodun or elsewhere in Kwara State.
“The Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in any part of Ifelodun. No security agency ever reported such arrests in Kwara,” Olukoju said.
Government Responds to Viral Video
Olukoju said the government issued the clarification after a video circulated online. In the clip, some detained individuals claimed they had a vehicle from the “Ilorin Government” and weapons from “Abuja.”
According to the commissioner, preliminary findings showed that authorities did not arrest the suspects in Kwara State. She said security operatives apprehended them in Auchi, Edo State.
“They were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State. While the content of the video and the circumstances surrounding the suspects are still being investigated, it is important to clarify that they were not arrested in Ifelodun or anywhere in Kwara,” she said.
Kwara Govt Rejects Claims of Arming Suspects
The commissioner also dismissed suggestions that the state government supplied weapons to the suspects. She stressed that state governments lack the power to distribute firearms.
“Indeed, no state government has the authority to arm anyone with an AK-47. At no point did the individuals in the video state that the Kwara State Government gave them any weapon,” she added.
Clarification on Security Vehicle
Olukoju explained the issue surrounding the security vehicle mentioned in the video. She said the Ifelodun Local Government earlier released the vehicle to vigilantes to support security efforts.
She added that the vigilantes later left the area. However, the local government reported that the vehicle never returned to its pool.
“The vigilantes have since left Ifelodun, but the local government repeatedly complained to the relevant authorities that its vehicle was not returned to its pool,” she said.
State Warns Against Misinformation
The commissioner urged security agencies to strengthen cooperation in the fight against banditry and violent crime. She called for improved intelligence sharing.
“To win the war against banditry, we need enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies,” Olukoju said.
She also warned bloggers and online platforms against spreading unverified information. According to the statement, misinformation threatens public peace and safety.
“We urge the public and media platforms to avoid biased assimilation or misrepresentation of information, as such actions pose an existential threat to human life and public peace,” the statement read.
Recent security concerns in border communities have heightened public sensitivity. The government said it will continue to address false reports quickly to prevent fear and unrest.
Read also: Bandits Arrested in Ifelodun Council Says Kwara Officials Gave Them Guns
