EXCLUSIVE: Arrested Bandit Informants, Cattle Rustlers ‘Perfecting Bail’ To Return To Operations In Kwara South — Sources Raise Alarm

Ilorin, Kwara State– Suspected bandits’ informants, cattle rustlers and logistics suppliers arrested in Kwara State are allegedly making moves to regain their freedom after reportedly raising funds to perfect their bail.

Multiple sources who spoke with Afrika Eyes on Thursday disclosed that the suspects—identified as key informants and supply-chain operatives for armed groups terrorising parts of the North-Central—were arrested during a covert operation but may soon return to the field if urgent action is not taken.

According to the sources, one of the suspects, 30-year-old Mohammed Jabi, a native of Buju village in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, currently residing in Waji village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, was apprehended alongside Rabo Senegal, Bello, and Asunmon.

The suspects were reportedly arrested at Ajap-Ipo market in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State while attempting to sold rustling cows.

Investigations revealed that the cattle were to be sold in exchange for food supplies and other logistics meant for members of a criminal network operating within forest corridors spanning Kwara, Niger and Kogi states.

Sources further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspects identified their alleged ringleader simply as “Bachujo,” said to be linked to a cross-state criminal syndicate coordinating banditry activities in the region.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, sources expressed concern over what they described as the silence of the Kwara State Government, noting that although the suspects have been remanded, there are ongoing efforts by their backers to secure their release.

“They are informants to terrorists and logistics suppliers operating in Kwara South. Now their leaders are making moves to get them out of prison so they can resume operations and continue wreaking havoc in the region,” one source told Afrika Eyes.

A video obtained by Afrika Eyes captured the moment security operatives interrogated the suspects in Hausa language shortly after their arrest last week, providing insight into the scale and structure of the operation.

During the interrogation, a police officer questioned Mohammed Jabi about the origin of the cattle and his role in transporting them:

Officer: “You said you knew the place in Oreke. First, you talked about cows. Who gave you the cows? Agaji gave you the cows. He told you to come and meet who?”

Mohammed Jabi: “We were told to go and meet his younger brother.”

Officer: “What is the younger brother’s name?”

Jabi: “Hamisu. His first name is Abdullahi. He is called Abdullahi and also called Hamisu.”

Officer: “Does he live here or in Oreke?”

Jabi: “He lives in Oreke. His house is in the Bori area. Most of his younger brothers are in town.”

Jabi further admitted that their meeting point was arranged at Ajap-Ipo market, stating:

“We agreed that we would come here and meet him.”

When asked about his involvement in the cattle transportation network, he confessed it was not his first time:

“This is my second time. The first time, it was Agaji who gave us the cows, and we went with his younger brother.”

He revealed that the cattle were transported to Ibadan, Oyo State, specifically along Governor Road, adding that: “We loaded about fourteen cows in one trailer. Altogether, it could be up to twenty or thirty. The first batch was twelve cows in one trailer.”

On the identity of those involved in transporting the cattle, Jabi identified a driver known simply as “Alhaji,” described as a Yoruba man.

The driver identified as Murtala from Ilorin, also confirmed his involvement during the interrogation:

“I have transported loads from Oreke to Ibadan two times. This time, I carried fourteen cows. The first trip was also fourteen cows with one truck.”

In a further twist, one of the suspects claimed that some livestock transported during the operation were linked to a supposed soldier: “Honestly, a soldier gave them to us. He heard that a truck was going to Ibadan and asked us to help deliver them. We sold them for him.”

The suspect added that the arrangement was made during a period of migration, when the said individual was reportedly purchasing livestock in anticipation of Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

“He kept buying animals and said since Eid-el-Kabir was near, we should help transport them. That is how we met him.”

When asked about the identity of the alleged soldier, the suspect claimed: “He is Badakare, from Zuru. They call him Dan Zuru.”

The suspects also mentioned other individuals, Dan Jima and Dan Tani, described as handlers of goats and sheep within the network, though their exact roles remain unclear.

However, the reported attempts to secure bail for the suspects have heightened fears among residents, who worry that their release could embolden criminal elements and worsen insecurity in Kwara South and adjoining regions.

Residents and stakeholders are now calling for stricter measures to ensure that individuals linked to such networks are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, rather than allowed to return to the same communities already grappling with rising insecurity.