Kwara Safe from Zamfara Bandit Migration, Police Assure Residents

The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed speculations that bandits fleeing security operations in Zamfara are migrating into the state, assuring residents of their safety. The clarification follows widespread concerns sparked by reports suggesting that criminal elements displaced by military offensives in the North-West might be relocating southward.

Addressing the media in Ilorin, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, stated that there was no intelligence to support the claims of an influx of bandits from Zamfara. He emphasized that the command remains vigilant and is working closely with other security agencies to ensure that the state does not become a haven for criminal elements.

“Our intelligence network is robust, and there is no indication that bandits from Zamfara or any other northern state are moving into Kwara. We are proactive in our security approach and have intensified surveillance in border communities to prevent any security breach,” Olaiya assured.

Despite the police reassurance, some residents have expressed concerns over the rising cases of kidnappings and armed robberies in parts of the state. Security experts have urged the government to increase patrols and deploy more personnel to rural areas that could serve as potential hideouts for fleeing criminals.

The Nigerian Army recently launched a renewed offensive against bandit groups in Zamfara, dislodging several camps and neutralizing key figures in criminal networks. While the operation has been largely successful, fears persist that displaced bandits may seek refuge in other states.

To allay these concerns, the Kwara State government has pledged to collaborate with security agencies to strengthen border security and ensure that the state remains free from criminal infiltration.