Kwara South Launches Forest Patrols, Unveils Drone Surveillance Plan Against Rising Insecurity

Ilorin, Kwara State– Joint security forces have commenced coordinated patrol operations across forest corridors and border communities in Kwara South under the newly activated “Keep Kwara South Safe Project.

The patrols, which began on Sunday, are targeting vulnerable areas identified for criminal activities, including isolated forest belts and rural border settlements where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over insecurity.

Officials involved in the operation said the exercise is designed to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response capabilities, and reassure residents amid fears of attacks and criminal infiltration.

Speaking on the development, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of Joint Security Watch Kwara South, said the operation was preventive rather than reactive.

“This is a proactive, intelligence-driven exercise to safeguard lives and property,” Oyin-Zubair stated. “We urge residents to stay calm, continue normal activities, and cooperate with officers on patrol.”

He added that security personnel would remain actively deployed across strategic locations for continuous monitoring and community engagement.

The coordinator also praised traditional rulers and local stakeholders for supporting the initiative, saying community cooperation remained critical to maintaining peace in the area.

“Our royal fathers and community leaders have been vital partners in keeping Kwara South stable. Their support strengthens every step we take,” he said.

As part of efforts to introduce technology-driven security measures, the project will also host a public drone demonstration on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Area Command, Ajasepo, along the Ajasepo-Offa Road.

According to organisers, residents, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders are expected to witness how drone surveillance technology will aid security monitoring and emergency response operations across Kwara South.

The Keep Kwara South Safe Project is a community-based security initiative focused on reducing threats, improving surveillance, and building public trust between residents and security agencies in the district.

Afrika Eyes had reported that the Kwara State Police Command has confirmed a deadly overnight attack on worshippers at a prayer mountain in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, where armed criminals killed three persons and abducted fifteen others to an unknown destination during a night vigil.

The incident, which has thrown communities in the area into panic and mourning, occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State.

According to preliminary police findings, the attack was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, who narrated that the congregation had gathered for a night vigil when the armed assailants stormed the prayer ground in large numbers.

The report stated that the incident happened on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, while the worshippers were still engaged in prayers.

“While conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination,” the police account revealed.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Command confirmed the attack and condemned it in strong terms, describing the incident as brutal and unacceptable.

The statement noted that upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene in a bid to assess the situation and commence initial response efforts.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reportedly ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-driven operation aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and tracking down the perpetrators.

According to the Command, the operation involves the deployment of multiple specialised units, including the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets to ensure a coordinated and effective rescue mission.

The Commissioner of Police described the attack as “barbaric, callous, and unacceptable,” while assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command is fully committed to securing the safe return of all those taken and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

The statement further reassured residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and the wider Kwara State community that security operations have been intensified across the affected axis, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated tactical movements aimed at flushing out the attackers.

“The Command wishes to assure residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire State that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.”

The police also called on members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, urging residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist in the rescue operation and subsequent investigations.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the Command stated.