Forest guard arrested over fake bandits’ attack letter in Kwara

A member of the Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS), Zakari Usman, has been arrested by the Nigerian Army for allegedly issuing a fake threat letter warning of a bandit attack in Venra Community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Security sources said the suspect reportedly circulated an anonymous letter on Monday, April 27, 2026, claiming that bandits planned to attack the community and abduct five persons.

However, investigations conducted the following day identified Usman, also known as “Minister,” as the author of the letter.

According to the sources, “preliminary investigation and findings indicate that Zakari Usman personally wrote and pasted the letter himself.”

They added that the act was allegedly intended to create panic in the community for personal gain.

“Initial assessment suggests the act was carried out to create fear, possibly for extortion or to fraudulently secure a paid security contract from the community to ‘safeguard’ against a non-existent threat,” a source said.

No attack has occurred in the community, and residents are said to be calm following the intervention of local authorities.

The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, held meetings with community leaders alongside security agencies, assuring residents of their safety.

Usman remains in military custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the incident, including possible accomplices and motive.