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The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the release of six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Edo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the vigilantes were arrested in early December 2025 along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the police, the individuals were travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State when they were intercepted by soldiers.
Handed Over to Police for Investigation
The statement explained that the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, by the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume, for investigation and profiling.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the police said it was established that the six individuals were legitimate members of a recognised vigilante group working in collaboration with authorised security agencies to combat banditry and other criminal activities.
“They were found to have no criminal culpability and were consequently exonerated and released to their respective leaders,” the statement said.
Police Emphasise Lawful Operations
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation with community-based security outfits.
He, however, urged vigilante groups to operate strictly within the confines of the law and maintain constant coordination with recognised security agencies.
The police assured residents of Kwara State of their continued dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Background to the Arrest
The development follows a viral 36-second video reported by PUNCH Metro on December 14, 2025, which showed soldiers interrogating a group of suspected bandits allegedly found patrolling with AK-47 rifles in a local security vehicle marked with the inscription of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
In the footage, the suspects were seen lying face down with their hands tied as soldiers questioned them about their activities and the source of the weapons.
One of the suspects, speaking in Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin, claimed that the patrol vehicle and firearms were provided by the “Ilorin government,” insisting they were operating as a security patrol.
Kwara Government Denies Arming Vigilantes
The Kwara State Government later dismissed claims that it armed the suspects.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, the government said no security agency, including the Nigerian Army, arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun or any part of Kwara State.
“The Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in Ifelodun or anywhere in Kwara State. No security agency reported such arrests,” Olukoju said.
She also debunked allegations that the state government supplied AK-47 rifles, stressing that no state government has the authority to issue or distribute such weapons.
