Police deny arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that suspected Boko Haram members were arrested in Ilorin metropolis.

 

The command described the report as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said no Boko Haram suspect was arrested anywhere in the state.

 

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading information currently circulating on social media alleging that operatives of the Command arrested a group of Boko Haram suspects within Ilorin metropolis.

 

“The Command states emphatically that no Boko Haram member was arrested anywhere within the state, and the report is entirely unfounded, misleading, and capable of generating unnecessary fear and tension among residents,” the statement read.

 

The police explained that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit intercepted a truck conveying Fulani travellers during a routine intelligence-led surveillance operation in Ilorin on Tuesday night.

 

According to the command, the travellers and the vehicle were thoroughly screened in line with security procedures.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of transparency, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while carrying out proactive intelligence-led surveillance operations on Tuesday, 27 May 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., intercepted a truck conveying a large number of Fulani travellers within Ilorin metropolis,” the statement added.

 

The police said no weapon, incriminating item or security threat was found during the operation.

 

“Following comprehensive checks, no incriminating item, weapon, or security threat was discovered on any of the occupants. The individuals stated they were travellers in transit to Jigawa State,” the command said.

 

It added that the travellers were later escorted out of Ilorin and allowed to continue their journey after the screening exercise.

 

Meanwhile, the police also confirmed the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and vandals during a separate operation along the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis of Ilorin.

 

The suspects were allegedly linked to the vandalisation of government-installed solar lights and other robbery-related activities in the area.

 

Items recovered from the suspects included two locally made pistols, pliers and suspected hard drugs.

 

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, commended the operations of the VCRU and assured residents that the command remained committed to tackling criminal activities across Kwara State.

 

The command also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of threatening public peace and security.