Suspected bandits have attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 10 residents during the operation.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the command, the coordinated attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m., with the assailants reportedly setting part of the Emir’s palace on fire.

Police operatives on duty, however, successfully repelled the attack on the divisional headquarters.

The police said security agencies had launched an operation to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, directed a full-scale security response involving police personnel, other security agencies, forest guards and local vigilante groups.

“These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens, and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly,” the police commissioner said.

The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those abducted and restore calm in the affected community.

The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in parts of Kwara State and surrounding areas, where authorities have intensified operations against criminal elements.