Security agencies in Kwara State have apprehended a man from Makurdi, Benue State, charged with supplying firearms to bandits operating within the state.
This arrest follows the violent assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in the Eruku community of Ekiti Local Government Area, which occurred on Tuesday.
Authorities have also detained several individuals suspected of providing food, drugs, and general aid to bandits in their hideouts.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, shared this information with journalists at the state’s police command during a briefing on the outcomes of a recent State Security Council meeting held at the Government House in Ilorin.
Ojo noted that the security council expressed concern over the detrimental impact of social media on the nation’s fight against insurgency, especially regarding the reporting of security issues.
Nevertheless, the council commended the military, police, and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for recent deployments in the state, which Ojo stated were in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ojo praised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying four tactical teams, including the Special Weapon and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, and Special Tactical Squads, to address threats in the state.
He further stated that the council meeting gathered intelligence from security commanders on recent events and field insights following the Eruku incident, including efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
Ojo added: “The meeting also praised the increased security deployments, particularly air interdictions that have forced kidnappers out of their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun.
“It recommended ongoing air bombardments of areas identified as criminal hideouts.
“The Police and DSS reported numerous arrests of individuals supplying food and fuel to the criminals, as well as a man from Makurdi who admitted to repairing weapons for the kidnappers.
“The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decisions regarding schools in various parts of the state.”
As security forces continue their efforts to secure the safe return of abducted girls, the council urged constant vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious activities, Ojo noted.
He also mentioned: “The meeting approved joint patrols by security forces across different parts of the state, particularly as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended enhanced security measures around vulnerable areas.
“The meeting recognized the negative impact of social media on the nation’s fight against violent non-state actors, expressing concern over the dissemination of security information, including ransom demands and the amplification of details that put citizens at risk.
“For public safety, it called for careful exercise of freedom of expression.
“The meeting advised citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that could expose them to harm. It also encouraged quick reporting of any suspicious movements to security agencies, government authorities, and traditional rulers.
“The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and extended condolences to their families and the broader community.
The Security Council meeting reviewed various security developments within the state and its borders.
