Banditry escalates in Kwara South as over 22 abducted, ransom demands exceed N400m

Kwara South Senatorial District is grappling with worsening security challenges as armed bandits continue to terrorise communities, abducting residents and demanding ransom payments running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Investigations revealed that more than 22 persons are currently being held captive across several communities in the zone, with bandits reportedly demanding over N400 million, in addition to food items and drinks, for their release.

A breakdown of the incidents showed that nine people were abducted in Adanla community on December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day), with the abductors demanding a ransom of N300 million. In Isapa community, 11 persons are being held, with the bandits demanding N35 million.

Four other victims were reportedly kidnapped along the Isanlu–Isin highway, while two people were abducted in Owa-Onire. Additionally, eight residents were kidnapped in the Ikosin community.

The affected areas include Adanla, Ikosin, Afin Isapa, Isanlu-Isin and Owa-Onire, where fear has forced some residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

Particularly alarming is the abduction of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Olanipekun, and his son, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Sources disclosed that the bandits have threatened to kill either the monarch or his son to demonstrate their seriousness if the ransom demand is not met.

Findings indicated that the criminals are taking advantage of the region’s vast forests, hills, caves and porous borders, which have made it difficult for security agencies to track and neutralise them effectively.

The situation is further complicated by allegations that some locals are collaborating with the bandits as informants, providing food, shelter and intelligence. This is reportedly worsened by weak communication and coordination between security agencies and host communities.

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Although the issue of local informants remains a major concern, sources said the government and security agencies are working to address it, even though specific details of the strategy are yet to be made public.

“Several appeals have been made to communities to help fish out informants within their midst,” a credible source disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to curb banditry by training and deploying forest guards to work alongside security agencies in combing the forests, in addition to conducting constant joint patrols.

A security source revealed that while the exact number of arrests has not been disclosed, recent operations have led to the neutralisation of several bandits and the arrest of suspects accused of supplying them with arms, food and other logistics. However, the source admitted that more decisive action is still required.

According to the source, the state government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has taken steps to restore peace, including the deployment of forest guards and plans to strengthen joint patrols.

“The government has also made it clear that it will not tolerate banditry and is committed to restoring peace in the region,” the source said.

He stressed the importance of community engagement, urging residents to report suspicious movements and provide timely intelligence to security agencies. He also called for increased patrols and checkpoints in vulnerable areas.

“There must be stronger coordination between security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders. Technology and human intelligence should be leveraged to track and apprehend the bandits,” he added.

The source further suggested the temporary closure of Kara cattle markets, where bandits are allegedly believed to store arms and ammunition and hold clandestine meetings, as part of broader measures to disrupt their operations.