Heightened Security Measures in South-West States Amid Rising Threats
States in the South-West have taken significant steps to bolster their security following a surge in attacks on communities and killings by suspected bandits and terrorists in neighboring Kwara State. Security officials from Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states confirmed that they have activated various containment strategies to prevent the infiltration of bandits fleeing military operations in Kwara.
This move comes as the Federal Government uncovered the movement of bandits heading towards the South-West region from Kwara. Intelligence agencies are closely tracking these groups to ensure they do not advance into Oyo and other South-West states. A detailed intelligence report on the activities and movements of the bandits is being reviewed at the highest levels of government, with a containment strategy already in place to address the situation.
The Situation in Kwara State
In recent weeks, Kwara State has witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist attacks, particularly along the north-south axis. On September 29, 2025, suspected bandits killed at least 12 members of a local forest guard unit in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area. The attack also left four individuals wounded and resulted in the death of a traditional chief.
Six days earlier, on September 23, suspected terrorists launched a midnight raid on Maganiko Ndanangi community in Edu Local Government Area, abducting a woman and a teenage girl. This incident heightened tensions in the area, prompting many residents to flee their homes. Another attack on Sunday saw terrorists kill 15 vigilantes, a traditional ruler, and other residents while abducting five others in the Oke-Ode community, causing widespread fear and displacement.
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, condemned the attacks and called for increased military presence. He visited Oke-Ode to commiserate with the bereaved families and assure them of improved security. During his visit, he met with stakeholders from Oke-Ode and neighboring Igbaja, including the National President of the Oke-Ode Development Association, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ajala, Elder Oyin Zubair, and youth leader of the community.
Collaboration and Support from Other States
The governor also extended condolences to other communities attacked by bandits in Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. His visit was accompanied by key security officials, including the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; the state Director of DSS; and the Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Umar Mohammed.
In response to the attacks, the Nigerian Air Force scrambled fighter jets to support ground forces and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance cover. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with many residents expressing frustration and fear over the recurring attacks.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were working to stop the threat. The official noted that intelligence indicates the mass movement of terrorists or bandits from Kwara to the south-west region following ongoing military operations.
Oyo State’s Response
The Oyo State Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), assured residents that the state was well-secured against any possible invasion by bandits. He dismissed fears over possible spill-over of attacks from neighboring Kwara, stating that what was happening in Kwara was not under his jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, offered to collaborate with the Kwara State Government in tackling the recent surge of bandit attacks. The monarch condemned the killings in Kwara and urged the Federal Government to ensure that all culprits are brought to justice as a deterrent to others.
Border Patrol and Coordination
Osun State Police Command deployed seven tactical teams to communities bordering Kwara to prevent invasion by criminals. The command is aware of the situation in Kwara and is actively gathering intelligence to monitor developments.
Similarly, the Ondo State Police Command increased intelligence in border communities across the 18 local government areas of the state. Mobile police officers were deployed to all border communities to mount checkpoints on roads and forests around those areas to prevent any inward movements.
Ekiti State’s Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), revealed that necessary measures, including the deployment of security personnel to boundary communities, were in place to prevent bandits from invading the state from Kwara. He emphasized a coordinated operation involving Ekiti, Oyo, and Osun states to block any incursion into the Southwest.
CDS Order and Regional Cooperation
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, admonished the security forces to identify and neutralise criminal elements threatening peace in the country and across the wider Sahel region. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, citing the Multinational Joint Task Force operating in the Chad Basin as an example of successful collaboration.
Musa also highlighted the need for robust community engagement, emphasizing that without the cooperation of citizens, armed groups would continue to find shelter. He praised the media for its role in shaping public perception of military operations and tasked participants of Exercise Haske Biyu to convert training lessons into concrete results.
Conclusion
The current security challenges in Kwara State have prompted a coordinated response from neighboring South-West states, with increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between security agencies. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on preventing the spread of violence and ensuring the safety of communities across the region.
