Army transfers vigilantes from Edo to Kwara police for investigation
Six vigilante members arrested by the Nigerian Army in Edo State have been handed over to the Kwara State Police Command. The police confirmed that the vigilantes, intercepted along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road, were traveling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. After investigation, the police established that the individuals were legitimate vigilante members working with security agencies. The Kwara State Government has denied arming the suspects or any involvement in illegal activities.
What happened
- The Nigerian Army arrested six vigilante members in Edo State and handed them over to the Kwara State Police Command on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- The vigilantes were initially apprehended in early December 2025 along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
- The police, after investigation, confirmed the vigilantes were operating legally and released them to their leaders.
- A viral video reported on December 14, 2025, showed soldiers interrogating the suspects, who claimed their patrol vehicle and weapons were provided by the “Ilorin government.”
- Bolanle Olukoju, Kwara’s Commissioner for Communications, stated that no security agency arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun or any part of Kwara State and denied that the state government armed the suspects.
