Kwara Police Confirm Release of Six Vigilante Members After Military Arrest

This report documents a concluded investigation and release procedure, relying strictly on official institutional statements. Every detail presented reflects verified actions and the confirmed legal standing of the individuals involved.

The Kwara State Police Command has officially confirmed the release of six members of a community vigilante group who were previously detained by operatives of the Nigerian Army during a transit operation through Edo State. This confirmation came after the completion of a comprehensive investigation, documentation, and identity verification exercise carried out by the police authorities.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest occurred in early December 2025. The vigilante operatives were intercepted along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road, located within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, while en route on official duties.

The police spokesperson disclosed that following the initial military interception, the individuals were formally transferred to the Kwara State Police Command on December 31, 2025, for proper investigation and profiling in line with established security procedures.

Further clarification from the command revealed that the six men were travelling in a patrol vehicle owned by Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State at the time they were stopped by soldiers. This detail became a central focus during the verification stage, as authorities sought to determine the legitimacy of their movement and operational mandate.

The handover to the police was reportedly coordinated by the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume. The transfer was carried out strictly for investigative purposes, ensuring that due process was followed and that inter-agency collaboration remained intact.

Upon concluding its review, the Kwara State Police Command established that the individuals are bonafide members of a recognised vigilante outfit operating in partnership with approved security agencies. Their activities were confirmed to be part of ongoing community-based efforts aimed at combating banditry and other related criminal threats within affected regions.

Police findings indicated that no criminal activity or unlawful conduct was linked to the six vigilante members. As a result, they were cleared of all suspicions and subsequently released.

The individuals were handed over to their respective group leaders after the conclusion of the investigation, marking the end of the matter.

In a closing remark, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the command’s dedication to effective collaboration among security agencies and community-driven security initiatives. He stressed, however, that all vigilante and auxiliary security groups must continue to operate strictly within the framework of the law, ensuring accountability and respect for established regulations at all times.