Banditary: Troops Accesses Kwara LGAs Amid Security Challenges 

Banditary: Troops Accesses Kwara LGAs Amid Security Challenges

The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, in company of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, Mr Michael Oganwu, on Saturday 13 September 2025, visited Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

The visit followed a distress call by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over violent protests by youths against rising incidents of kidnapping for ransom within their communities.

The aggrieved youths blocked sections of the Omu-Aran–Eleyin–Ajase road in Isin LGA, thereby halting the movement of commuters and creating tension in the area.

Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, led by Brigadier General Barkins, in collaboration with the Police and DSS, swiftly mobilized to the scene. The joint team dispersed the protesters, restored order, and cleared the road for the free flow of traffic. Some identified ringleaders of the protest were arrested and handed over to the Kwara State Police Command for investigation and further action.

Speaking after the operation, Brigadier General Barkins reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to their safety and cautioned against violent protests. He urged youths to explore lawful and peaceful channels for expressing grievances, while reiterating the importance of cooperation with security agencies in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The Brigade Commander further appealed for closer collaboration between residents and security operatives, stressing that security is a collective responsibility that requires timely and credible information from communities to enable swift intervention.

Later, the security heads, met with the Chairman, Isin Local Government Area (LGA), Honourable Jolayemi Benjamin, village heads, and other stakeholders. During the meeting, the stakeholders were urged to counsel youths against violence and to strengthen cooperation with security agencies. Hon. Benjamin commended the swift intervention of the joint team and assured continued support of the LGA in efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.

STEPHEN NWANKWO
Captain
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin
14 September 2025