The Kwara State Police Command has released six vigilante members previously detained by the Nigerian Army on suspicion of banditry. The release followed a thorough investigation that confirmed the individuals were legitimate members of a local security outfit operating under the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The incident began when a 36-second video surfaced online, showing soldiers interrogating the suspects, who were found in possession of AK-47 rifles and a patrol vehicle marked with the local government’s insignia. In the footage, one of the men claimed they received the vehicle and weapons from the “Ilorin government” to conduct security patrols.
Following the video’s circulation, the Kwara State Government swiftly denied any involvement in arming the group. This prompted the police to initiate an investigation, which ultimately verified the vigilantes’ official status and lawful operations.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that the misunderstanding arose from a lack of communication between the security agencies. She emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration to prevent such incidents in the future.
The release of the vigilantes has been welcomed by community leaders, who stressed the crucial role local security outfits play in combating banditry and maintaining peace in the region. They called for improved coordination among security agencies to enhance the effectiveness of joint operations against criminal activities.
