Police, DSS Arrest Gun Mechanic, Food and Fuel Suppliers to Bandits in Kwara

Security agencies in Kwara State have arrested several suspects following Tuesday’s deadly bandit attack on church worshippers in the Eruku area of Ekiti Local Government.

Among those arrested is a man from Makurdi, Benue State, who allegedly repairs and maintains firearms for bandits operating within the state. Other suspects apprehended are said to be suppliers of food, drugs, fuel, and other essential items to the criminals in their hideouts.

Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo announced the arrests during a briefing at the state police command after a State Security Council meeting held at the Government House in Ilorin.

Ojo said the council expressed concern over the harmful role of social media in the fight against insurgency, especially in the way sensitive security information is reported or exaggerated. He, however, praised the renewed efforts of the Military, Police, and DSS, noting that these actions align with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying four tactical units, SWAT, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and Special Tactical Squads (STS), to strengthen security operations in Kwara.

According to Ojo, the council reviewed intelligence reports and updates on the search for the perpetrators of the Eruku attack and efforts to rescue kidnapped victims. He added that recent air operations had dislodged the bandits from their hideouts, particularly in Ifelodun, and recommended continuous aerial bombardment of criminal enclaves.

The Police and DSS briefed the council on the arrest of multiple collaborators, including those supplying food and fuel to the bandits, as well as the suspect who confessed to servicing their weapons.

The meeting also praised the government’s new security measures for schools and urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements promptly, and avoid night-time activities that could expose them to danger.

As part of its resolutions, the council approved intensified joint patrols across the state ahead of the festive season and called for stronger protection around vulnerable locations.

Members observed a minute of silence for victims of the Eruku church attack and extended condolences to their families and the affected community.