Police release six vigilantes after army arrest in Edo
Three to four sentences introducing the situation:
The Kwara State Police Command has released six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army in Edo State. According to the police, the vigilantes were found to be legitimate members of a security group working with recognised agencies to combat banditry. Brigadier General N. N. Rume and Ojo Adekimi were involved in the investigation and release process. The Kwara State Government has denied any involvement in arming the vigilantes.
What happened
- Six vigilantes were arrested by the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State in early December 2025.
- They were handed over to the Kwara State Police Command on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 by Brigadier General N. N. Rume for investigation.
- After a thorough investigation, the police confirmed the vigilantes were legitimate and released them to their leaders.
- Ojo Adekimi, the Commissioner of Police, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration and lawful operations by vigilante groups.
- The Kwara State Government, through Bolanle Olukoju, denied reports of arming the suspects or any arrest of armed bandits in Ifelodun or any part of Kwara State.
