The Kwara State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old man, Mallami Abubakar, over alleged links to terrorist organisations operating in Nigeria.
The suspect was apprehended last Thursday in Nanu, Kaiama Local Government Area, during a routine patrol by operatives of the command.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
She said the suspect, who hails from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State, was intercepted by officers while on patrol in the area.
According to the police, a preliminary investigation revealed that Abubakar had been contacted by a friend identified only as “Babi” from Babana Village in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Preliminary investigation and interrogation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been contacted on March 30, 2026, by a friend identified as ‘Babi’ (surname unknown),” the statement read.
“The individual reportedly invited him to travel to Farinsuni via Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa before his arrest.”
The police said the suspect is currently in custody over alleged links to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Lakurawa terrorist groups.
Ejire-Adeyemi noted that further investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement and uncover other collaborators.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and a full investigation is ongoing to ascertain the extent of his involvement and to apprehend other individuals connected to the case,” she added.
The command reiterated its commitment to tackling criminal activities and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
See the full statement below:
KWARA STATE POLICE COMMAND.PRESS RELEASE.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED BANDIT MEMBER IN KAIAMA.
The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful arrest of a suspected bandit as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities within the area.
On April 1, 2026, at about 0800 hours, a joint patrol team comprising Police operatives, the National Forest Guards, and members of the Kaiama Vigilante Group (KVG), while on routine patrol in Nanu, intercepted and arrested one Mallami Abubakar, a 20-year-old male from Isanlu Dankuturu in Kogi State.
Preliminary investigation and interrogation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been contacted on March 30, 2026, by a friend identified as “Babi” (surname unknown) from Babana Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The individual reportedly invited him to travel to Farinsuni via Baruten Local Government Area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa before his arrest.
The suspect is currently in police custody, and a full investigation is ongoing to ascertain the extent of his involvement and to apprehend other individuals connected to the case.
CP Ojo Adekimi, PSC, MNIPS, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, reiterates his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
Signed
SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer.
For:- The Commissioner of Police,
Kwara State Command.
