The Kwara State Police Command has denied reports that bandits fleeing military operations in Zamfara State have relocated to communities in Kwara. The police assured residents that there is no credible intelligence to suggest any migration of criminals into the state.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns following a viral social media report that claimed armed bandits, displaced from Zamfara due to intensified security operations, had moved into Banni town in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kwara State, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, described the report as false and misleading. She warned that such unverified information could cause unnecessary panic among residents.
Social Media Reports Spark Fear
Over the weekend, a post circulated online alleging that bandits fleeing from security forces in Zamfara had established a presence in Banni. The claim immediately raised alarm among citizens, particularly those in rural areas, where security remains a major concern.
Many residents, fearing an influx of criminals, began expressing their worries on various platforms, calling for urgent intervention from the authorities. Some even linked the rumor to past experiences where bandits, after being displaced from one region, moved to another to regroup and continue their activities.
However, the Kwara State Police Command has firmly denied the allegations, assuring the public that there is no evidence to support such claims.
Police Dismiss Rumors, Assure Residents
In response to the viral reports, Ejire-Adeyemi stated, “The attention of the Kwara State Police Command has been drawn to a report alleging that bandits fleeing military offensives in Zamfara State have relocated to Banni town in Kwara State.”
She further stressed that after thorough checks, no intelligence or operational reports confirmed the presence of bandits in any part of Kwara State. She urged the public to disregard the information, describing it as a fabrication meant to cause unnecessary tension.
“The command categorically debunks this claim as false and misleading. There is no intelligence or operational report to support the presence of armed bandits in Banni or any other part of Kwara State,” she added.
To reassure the people of Kwara, she stated that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had heightened surveillance across the state.
Heightened Security Across Kwara
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to maintaining peace and security in Kwara State. He emphasized that security personnel are on high alert to prevent any possible infiltration by criminal elements.
“The police command remains vigilant and has intensified its intelligence gathering to forestall any security threats,” Olaiya assured.
He also called on residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear, noting that Kwara remains a safe state.
Banditry and the Ongoing Military Operations in Zamfara
Zamfara State has been one of the epicenters of banditry in Nigeria, with armed groups engaging in kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. The Nigerian military, alongside other security forces, has been carrying out operations to flush out these criminal elements from the region.
As a result of the intensified military crackdown, some bandits have reportedly sought refuge in neighboring states. However, Kwara police authorities insist that their state has not recorded any such migration of criminals.
In recent months, security agencies have ramped up efforts to tackle banditry across the country, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. These operations have led to the dislodgment of several bandit camps, arrests of suspected criminals, and recovery of weapons.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain that displaced bandits may attempt to find new areas to operate, leading to heightened vigilance in states bordering Zamfara.
Residents Urged to Avoid Spreading Misinformation
The police have also warned against the spread of unverified reports, urging citizens to rely on official channels for security updates. The PPRO, Ejire-Adeyemi, stressed that spreading misinformation could cause unnecessary fear and disrupt public peace.
She advised the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities rather than spreading rumors online.
“We urge the public to always verify security information from credible sources before sharing. Anyone with useful information about suspicious movements should promptly report to the nearest security agency for appropriate action,” she said.
The command further assured that community engagement remains a priority and that they will continue to work closely with local vigilante groups and traditional rulers to strengthen security measures.