Kwara South Senatorial District is grappling with a worsening security crisis as armed bandits currently hold more than 22 residents captive across several communities, demanding ransom payments running into over ₦400 million, alongside food and drinks, DAILY POST reports.
Findings indicate that nine persons were abducted in Adanla community on December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day), with the bandits demanding a staggering ₦300 million for their release. In Afin Isapa community, 11 persons are being held, with a ransom demand of ₦35 million. Four others were kidnapped along the Isanlu–Isin highway, while two persons were abducted in Owa-Onire. Additionally, eight residents were reportedly taken from Ikosin community.
The affected communities include Adanla, Ikosin, Afin Isapa, Isanlu–Isin, and Owa-Onire, all within Kwara South. The wave of abductions has triggered panic in the region, forcing some residents to flee their homes over fears of further attacks.
Particularly troubling is the abduction of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Olanipekun, and his son, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. Sources disclosed that the bandits have threatened to kill either the monarch or his son if their ransom demands are not met, in order to demonstrate their seriousness.
Investigations by DAILY POST revealed that the bandits operate from vast forests, hills, and caves within the region, taking advantage of porous borders to evade security forces. These difficult terrains have significantly hampered tracking and rescue operations.
The situation is further compounded by allegations that some locals are aiding the criminals by acting as informants, supplying food, shelter, and intelligence. This, combined with weak communication and coordination between security agencies and communities, has worsened the insecurity.
On the issue of local collaborators, sources said government and security agencies are working to address the challenge, although specific details remain undisclosed. “Several appeals have been made to communities to fish out informants within their midst,” a credible source said.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has trained and deployed forest guards to work alongside conventional security agencies in combing the forests, while also strengthening joint patrols across flashpoints.
Another source disclosed that although the exact number of arrests has not been made public, recent operations have led to the neutralisation of several bandits and the arrest of suspects supplying them with arms, food, and other logistics. “However, more needs to be done,” the source added.
According to him, the state government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace, warning that it will not tolerate banditry in any part of the state.
He stressed the need for deeper community engagement, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities. He also called for increased patrols and checkpoints in vulnerable areas, stronger coordination between security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders, as well as improved use of technology and human intelligence.
The source further recommended the temporary closure of Kara cattle markets, where bandits are allegedly storing arms and holding clandestine meetings to coordinate their operations.
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