Police debunk Boko Haram arrest reports in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Boko Haram members were arrested within Ilorin metropolis, describing the claim as false and misleading.

The command said the report could generate unnecessary panic and tension among residents of the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin, the police clarified that no Boko Haram suspect had been arrested anywhere in Kwara State.

The statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading information currently circulating on social media alleging that operatives of the Command arrested a group of Boko Haram suspects within Ilorin metropolis.

“The Command states emphatically that no Boko Haram member was arrested anywhere within the state, and the report is entirely unfounded, misleading, and capable of generating unnecessary fear and tension among residents,” it added.

The police explained that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit had only intercepted a truck conveying Fulani travellers during a routine intelligence-led surveillance operation within Ilorin on Tuesday night.

“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of transparency, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while carrying out proactive intelligence-led surveillance operations on Tuesday, 27 May 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., intercepted a truck conveying a large number of Fulani travellers within Ilorin metropolis.

“In line with established security protocols and due diligence, the vehicle and all occupants were professionally screened, profiled, and thoroughly searched by the operatives,” the police said.

The command noted that no incriminating item, weapon, or security threat was discovered during the operation.

“Following comprehensive checks, no incriminating item, weapon, or security threat was discovered on any of the occupants. The individuals stated they were travellers in transit to Jigawa State, while relevant identification details and other necessary information were properly documented by the police for security purposes,” the statement added.

The police further disclosed that the travellers were later escorted out of the metropolis and allowed to continue their journey after the screening exercise.

Meanwhile, the command also announced the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and vandals during a separate intelligence-led operation along the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis of Ilorin metropolis.

The police said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit following complaints from residents over alleged criminal activities around the area.

“Acting on sustained surveillance and credible intelligence following recent concerns raised by members of the public over suspected criminal activities within the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis, operatives of the VCRU in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 May 2026, swiftly responded to suspicious movements around the Tanke area of Ilorin,” the statement read.

“The operation led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the vandalisation of government-installed solar light infrastructure and armed robbery-related activities within the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis,” it added.

The command said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a wider criminal network operating across parts of Ilorin metropolis.

“Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made pistols, pliers, and various suspected hard drugs believed to have been used in the commission of their criminal activities,” the statement stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, commended the intelligence-driven operations of the VCRU and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.

“He reassured members of the public that no criminal element would be allowed to operate freely within the state,” the statement added.

The command urged residents to disregard false reports and avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining public peace and security.