Army Hands Over Allegedly Linked Miyetti Allah Members Arrested In Edo To Kwara Police, Command Confirms Release After Investigation

Ilorin,  Kwara State– The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the receipt and subsequent release of six armed men earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army in Edo State over allegations that they were members of Miyetti Allah.

The armed men, described by authorities as vigilantes, were intercepted by soldiers along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the suspects were formally handed over to the police by the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N.N. Rume, for investigation and profiling.

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, it received six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State,” the statement said.

According to the police, the arrest initially sparked public concern following claims that the men were armed Miyetti Allah members allegedly involved in a federal security operation. The matter drew attention after reports circulated suggesting the men were intercepted with firearms while on patrol.

However, the police said investigations revealed that the individuals were legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities.

“Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are bona fide vigilante operatives working with recognised security agencies. Having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, they were released to their respective leaders,” she added.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reiterated the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation with community-based security outfits, while urging such groups to always operate within the confines of the law.

He further assured residents that the police remain resolute in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across Kwara State.

Meanwhile, on December 16, 2025, the Kwara State Government clarified that the armed men recently arrested by soldiers in the state—initially believed to be bandits—were members of Miyetti Allah participating in a federal security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The clarification followed public outrage triggered by a SaharaReporters report that Nigerian soldiers intercepted a group of armed men carrying AK-47 rifles while travelling in a security patrol vehicle in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to reports, the suspects claimed they were sponsored by the “Ilorin government,” a revelation that sparked widespread anger and renewed concerns over insecurity in the state.

It was also reported that residents strongly opposed an alleged plan by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to deploy armed Fulani herders—popularly known as Bororo—to combat banditry in Kwara State. The controversial proposal reportedly involved arming non-state actors with AK-47 rifles under a federal security framework.

Both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah initially denied any arrangement involving the arming of herders or collaboration with bandits. However, fresh clarifications by state officials have now linked the arrested men to a joint security initiative coordinated by the federal government following deadly attacks in the area.

Speaking on Informant247, Ibrahim Abdulateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, confirmed that the arrested individuals were members of Miyetti Allah incorporated into a Joint Task Force-style security arrangement after the September 29 attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

According to Abdulateef, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinated a security response involving recognised security operatives alongside local vigilantes and members of Miyetti Allah.

“Under their security setup, they use both recognised officers and a JTF which includes members of Miyetti Allah and local vigilante networks,” Abdulateef said.

“In a bid to empower security forces, a patrol vehicle was provided through the local government chairman.”

He added that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with the patrol vehicle and were subsequently reported to security agencies.

“They were later arrested in Auchi, Edo State, not anywhere in Kwara,” he said, adding that the state government had formally written to request the return of its vehicle.

Abdulateef further clarified that the armed individuals were indigenes of Ifelodun Local Government Area and were neither Yoruba nor apprehended within Kwara State during the interception.

Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, clarified that one of the individuals mentioned in the confessions, identified as Victor, is neither an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) nor the Nigerian Air Force, contrary to earlier speculations.

“Victor is a police sergeant attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Ajakaye stated.

He also disclosed that Victor and the vigilante operatives had since exited Kwara State in line with the demands of affected communities, a decision the state government said it respected.