Ilorin, Kwara State — July 17, 2025
A combined team of Police, Army, Forest Guards, and local hunters, supported by the Kwara State Government, has arrested over 25 suspected kidnappers and bandits, including a notorious criminal identified as Tambaya, during a major security crackdown across Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday.
Tambaya, Mastermind Of Recent Attacks, Arrested
According to Ajakaiye, Tambaya was the key mastermind behind the recent deadly attack on security forces and vigilantes in Gada, Lafiagi.
“Tambaya and eight others were arrested in one encounter with the security forces, while several of his gang members were eliminated. During the operation, we rescued two victims of their criminality and recovered N11 million, which are proceeds of crime,” he stated.
Massive Security Deployment And Arrests
The renewed security operation, coordinated by the State Government in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has resulted in:
- Over 25 arrests, including gun runners and logistics suppliers
- Deployment of nearly 400 special security operatives to hotspots
- Recovery of weapons, ammunition, and criminal supplies
- Unconditional release of kidnapped victims in the affected communities
Ajakaiye disclosed that 10 of the suspects and the weapons recovered have been moved to Abuja for further interrogation.
Target Areas And Border Lockdown
The operation targets Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi, with tight monitoring of border communities to prevent suspects from escaping into Kogi and Niger States.
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- “We have these local governments on lockdown. The operation is only starting from Ifelodun. We are also moving to Edu and Patigi, while the Eruku axis is on lockdown to ensure these criminals do not escape to Kogi. Border communities around Niger are also being monitored,” the statement read.
Government’s Assurance And Public Appeal
The crackdown follows Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s pledge to flush out criminal gangs from Kwara forests and restore peace. Residents have been urged to report suspicious movements or strangers to security agencies.
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