The Kwara State Police Command has announced the disruption of a suspected bandit logistics network and the arrest of a key suspect in Ilorin, the state capital, through the operations of its Violent Crime Response Unit.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun-Adeyemi, the arrest followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained covert surveillance, operatives of the Unit apprehended a suspect in Ilorin whose activities are strongly linked to the movement and supply of materials suspected to be destined for criminal elements operating within forested enclaves and remote locations across the State.
“Items recovered in connection with the investigation include a large quantity of assorted cigarette brands and other rations believed to form part of a logistics chain servicing criminal groups.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect plays a strategic support role within a broader network responsible for providing sustenance and other forms of assistance to bandits and allied criminal elements,” the statement read.
The Police further disclosed that photographs recovered from the suspect’s mobile device showed him dressed in military camouflage and seated on a Bajaj motorcycle, which it said strengthened ongoing intelligence efforts.
The Command stated that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other collaborators connected to the network.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, described the arrest as part of broader efforts under the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
He reassured residents that ongoing security operations in the state are increasingly focused on dismantling not only armed criminals but also the logistical structures, collaborators, informants and suppliers that sustain their activities.
“The Command remains resolute in denying criminal groups the resources, freedom of movement, and support networks required to operate, while sustaining pressure on all persons involved in aiding criminality in any form,” the statement added. I
