The Police Command in Kwara has arrested a man from Makurdi accused of repairing and supplying firearms to bandits operating within the state.
The command also confirmed the arrest of several suspects believed to be providing food, drugs and other essential supplies to bandits in remote hideouts.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, announced the arrests on Friday after the state security council meeting held at the Government House in Ilorin.
Ojo said the council lamented what it described as the harmful influence of social media on security operations against insurgents, particularly regarding the circulation of sensitive information.
He commended the Military, Police and DSS for recent deployments in Kwara, saying the actions align with directives from President Bola Tinubu.
He further praised the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying four tactical units — SWAT, IRT, SIS and STS — to counter emerging threats across the state.
Ojo noted that the council reviewed intelligence gathered following the recent bandit attack in Eruku, including ongoing efforts to trace the attackers and rescue abducted victims.
He said the council welcomed increased security deployments, including air interdictions that had driven kidnappers out of several hideouts, particularly in the Ifelodun area.
The council, he added, called for continued air bombardments of identified criminal enclaves across the state to prevent further attacks.
Ojo disclosed that both the Police and the DSS had arrested individuals supplying fuel and food to bandits, including a suspect from Makurdi who confessed to repairing weapons for them.
He said the meeting approved joint patrols by security agencies across the state as the Yuletide season approaches.
It also recommended enhanced security in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities.
Ojo reiterated the council’s concerns about the negative role of social media in the fight against violent non-state actors.
He said members worried about the spread of sensitive information, including ransom details, which puts citizens at greater risk.
The council urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online to ensure collective safety.
It also advised residents to avoid night farming and late movements that could expose them to danger.
Ojo said citizens were encouraged to promptly report suspicious activity to security agencies, government officials and traditional rulers.
