Kwara Government Denies Bandit Arrests, Warns Falsehoods

New Delhi, December 15, 2025: The Kwara State Government has officially addressed a viral video circulating on social media which alleged that armed bandits were recently arrested by the Nigerian Army in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The video, which contained claims that the suspects were in possession of a security vehicle allegedly given by the “Ilorin Government,” was vehemently dismissed by the government as false and capable of creating public panic. An official statement was issued to clarify the circumstances surrounding the video and reject the insinuations contained within it.

The Viral Allegations Are Refuted

The controversial video showed soldiers interrogating a group of suspected individuals who were observed lying on the ground next to a security patrol vehicle bearing the inscription of the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. One of the suspects was heard making claims in Hausa and Pidgin English that the vehicle and weapons were supplied by the “Ilorin Government” and received “from Abuja.”

However, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, categorically stated that no security agency, including the Nigerian Army, reported any such arrests in Ifelodun or any part of Kwara State. It was emphasized that preliminary checks indicated the suspects were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State, and not within Kwara’s jurisdiction.

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Claims of Government Arms Supply Are Debunked

In response to the extremely serious implication that the State Government was involved in arming criminal elements, the claims were forcefully debunked. It was stressed that no state government possesses the legal authority to issue or distribute AK-47 rifles or other sophisticated military-grade weapons. Furthermore, the government highlighted that the individuals in the video did not specifically claim the weapons were received from the Kwara State Government, but referenced “Abuja” for the weapons.

Specific clarification was also provided regarding the security patrol vehicle shown in the viral video. The Ifelodun Local Government Authority explained that the van was earlier provided as logistical support to vigilante operatives deployed to enhance local security. The vigilantes were confirmed to have since left the area, and the local government had repeatedly lodged complaints with relevant authorities about the non-return of the vehicle to its pool.

Caution Against Misinformation Is Issued

The State Government used the official statement to urgently caution bloggers and online media platforms against the spreading of unverified information. It was noted that such misinformation poses an existential threat to public peace and safety, especially given the heightened sensitivity to security issues in the region.

The government urged for enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among all security agencies to effectively combat banditry and other violent crimes. The public was advised to rely only on verified communication from official security channels to prevent the creation of fear and unrest.