Kwara South Security Watch Urges IGP Disu To Complete ‘Unfinished Business’ Against Bandits, Make Drone Surveillance Permanent Across Forest Belts

Ilorin, Kwara State– The Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, has called on the Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, to complete “unfinished business” against banditry and kidnapping in the Baba Sango forests and other criminal hideouts across Kwara South.

The group also urged the police chief to make drone surveillance operations a permanent security feature across major highways and forest corridors in the region, saying the initiative has significantly improved security and reduced criminal activities.

Speaking with Afrika Eyes, the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said the fight against banditry in Kwara South did not begin with Disu’s appointment as Inspector-General of Police but dates back to his earlier intervention in the region while serving as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

According to Elder Oyin-Zubair, Disu played a major role in laying the operational foundation for the ongoing security operations targeting criminal elements hiding in the notorious Baba Sango forests.

“Kwara South’s fight against banditry did not start today, and IGP Olatunji Disu’s commitment did not start at his appointment as Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

“As AIG, he led the Special Task Force that provided the operational groundwork for clearing the dreaded Baba Sango forests, a major hideout for kidnappers terrorising our axis.

“Though that job was not completed, his understanding of the terrain was established. That is why, immediately he assumed office on February 24, 2026, he dashed to Kwara State to reassure us that the mission to get rid of bandits in Kwara South forest belts would be pursued to completion.”

The security advocate noted that the IGP’s three-pillar agenda of discipline, modernization and community partnership has continued to guide security operations in the region.

He further disclosed that within the first 100 days of Disu’s tenure, tangible actions had followed the promises made to residents of the region.

“During the Sallah period, IGP Disu deployed a community-driven drone surveillance team to Kwara South. The team conducted aerial patrols of Ajase-Ipo/Omu-Aran/Iloffa/Osi Road, Ajase-Ipo/Offa/Erinle Road, Ajase-Ipo/Igbaja/Oke-Ode/Babanla axis and critical Kwara South forest belts linked to Baba Sango and other kidnap hideouts,” he explained.

“Working with local vigilantes and hunters who know the forest terrain, the drones provided real-time monitoring of both highways and forest entry and exit points, denied criminals cover and gave early warning to ground patrols.”

Elder Oyin-Zubair said the deployment was consistent with broader police reforms being implemented under Disu’s leadership.

According to him, the reforms include ending what he described as the “KIV culture” surrounding kidnapping cases, making Commissioners of Police accountable for security developments within their areas of responsibility, reviving the Complaint Response Unit and X-Squad, enforcing the ban on illegal police checkpoints and introducing the Nigeria Police Regulations 2025 in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He noted that the new regulations represent the first major reform of police operational guidelines since 1968 and place significant emphasis on human rights, intelligence-led policing and modern policing standards.

“Our demand is clear: the IGP’s unfinished business at Baba Sango must be completed across all Kwara South forest belts and highways,” Elder Oyin-Zubair stated.

“We urge him to make drone surveillance permanent on Ajase-Ipo/Omu-Aran/Iloffa/Osi, Ajase-Ipo/Offa/Erinle and Ajase-Ipo/Igbaja/Oke-Ode/Babanla roads, and to extend aerial and tactical coverage to forest belts in Ifelodun, Oyun, Isin, Ekiti and Irepodun Local Government Areas.

“Kwara South stands ready as neighbours in uniform with intelligence on forest movements and highway threats. What we need now is sustained aerial and ground presence in both forests and on roads to finish the job.”

Meanwhile, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, has commended traditional rulers under the Igbomina-Ekiti Traditional Rulers Forum for supporting the deployment and operations of the Drone Surveillance Team from Abuja.

In a statement, Elder Oyin-Zubair expressed appreciation to the forum and its Security Committee Chairman, the Olupako of Share, for providing accommodation and logistical support that enabled the surveillance team to carry out uninterrupted operations across the region.

“On behalf of the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, I write to express our sincere appreciation to the Igbomina-Ekiti Traditional Rulers Forum, with the Olupako as Chairman of the Security Committee, for graciously hosting the Drone Surveillance Team from Abuja,” he said.

“Your gesture of providing accommodation and support for the team significantly enhanced security in the area. Under your Royal Fathers’ hospitality, the team conducted continuous aerial surveillance of our forests, highways and markets.

“This contributed immensely to maintaining peace during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities and beyond.”

According to him, the security intervention yielded remarkable results, with no recorded cases of kidnapping or major security breaches across Kwara South during the period under review.

“Throughout this period, Kwara South recorded no security breach or kidnapping incident. This achievement reflects your foresight and dedication to the safety of your people,” he added.

Elder Oyin-Zubair further credited the development to the prompt intervention of the Inspector-General of Police following a delegation’s visit to Abuja, noting that the deployment of the Drone Surveillance Team and other tactical assets had already begun producing visible results.

He also praised the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State for coordinating local resources and fostering collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and community stakeholders.

“This success was made possible by the prompt intervention of the Inspector-General of Police following our delegation’s mission to the IGP in Abuja.

“The deployment of the Drone Surveillance Team and other tactical support is yielding visible results. We equally commend the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, for the swift coordination of local resources and collaboration with community stakeholders to sustain these gains.”

Explaining the mandate of the organisation, Elder Oyin-Zubair stated that the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, serves as a bridge between traditional rulers, security agencies and local stakeholders.

“For the record, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South coordinates these efforts by mandate. We serve as a community-based bridge between traditional rulers, security agencies and local stakeholders to support intelligence sharing, logistics and welfare of joint operations in Kwara South. Our role is strictly supportive and does not replace the statutory responsibilities of security agencies.”

He further revealed that a follow-up operation, codenamed “Operation Sweep,” would commence immediately to consolidate gains achieved through the aerial surveillance programme.

“To consolidate these gains, Operation Sweep will commence immediately as a follow-up ground operation, building on the intelligence and coverage provided by the Drone Surveillance Team to further secure our communities.”

The security coordinator also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of victims abducted in several high-profile kidnapping incidents across the region.

“I also wish to report that strenuous efforts are being made by security agencies and stakeholders to secure the release of captives in the Omugo and Olayinka kidnapping cases, as well as those taken hostage during the Ikerin-Ekiti church raid, where 15 people were abducted.

“We remain hopeful for their safe return.”

He expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and community leaders for their continued partnership in strengthening security across Kwara South.

“We are grateful for your leadership and partnership. Your support has strengthened our collective resolve to keep Kwara South safe.

“May your reigns continue in peace and prosperity.”