The Kwara State Police Command has neutralized an armed bandit during a security operation carried out on Thursday at Adekanbi Village, near Bode Saadu in Moro Local Government Area. The operation, which was conducted by a joint team of police officers and local vigilante members, also forced several other bandits to flee with gunshot injuries.
This development comes at a time when communities across the North-Central region continue to face rising concerns over the activities of bandits who often launch attacks from forested or remote areas. Kwara, which previously enjoyed relative peace compared to its neighbouring states, has recently witnessed isolated incidents linked to criminal gangs moving across state borders.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ilorin, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, said the operation was based on credible intelligence received earlier on November 13, 2025. According to her, the information indicated that a group of armed bandits had taken over a fortified hilltop in Adekanbi Village, using it as a hideout.
“Acting on actionable intelligence on November 13, 2025, at about 10 am, police operatives and vigilante members executed a rapid tactical deployment to Adekanbi village via Bode-Saadu, where armed bandits were sighted occupying a fortified hill-top,” she said.
SP Adeyemi explained that upon arrival, the bandits opened fire on the security team in an attempt to repel the operation. However, the officers responded quickly and decisively, engaging the armed men in what she described as a “superior counter-engagement.”
The coordinated firepower from the police team forced the bandits to abandon their position and flee into nearby bushes. The police believe several of them escaped with gunshot wounds due to the intensity of the shootout.
Following the clash, a search of the area was carried out. During the post-operation sweep, the security team recovered the body of one neutralized suspect, as well as an AK-49 rifle and 32 rounds of live ammunition. The recovery of the weapon, according to the command, is a significant breakthrough considering the increasing use of sophisticated firearms by bandit groups.
In recent years, banditry has become one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, affecting states in the Northwest and North-Central regions. The criminals often use rural areas as bases due to limited security presence. Security analysts have repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between police, vigilante groups, and local communities to address the threat.
The Kwara State Police Command used the opportunity to call on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of strangers or armed individuals to security agencies.
