The Kwara State Government has confirmed that the armed men recently arrested by soldiers in the state are members of Miyetti Allah and not bandits, as initially feared. According to the government, the men were participating in a federal security operation coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The clarification followed widespread public concern after SaharaReporters reported that Nigerian soldiers intercepted armed individuals carrying AK 47 rifles while travelling in a security vehicle in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The suspects reportedly claimed they were sponsored by the Ilorin government, a statement that triggered public outrage and heightened anxiety over insecurity in the state.
Earlier reports had indicated strong opposition among residents to an alleged plan by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to deploy armed Fulani herders, commonly known as Bororos, to tackle banditry in Kwara. The plan was said to involve arming non state actors with AK 47 rifles under a controversial security framework.
Both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah initially denied any arrangement involving the arming of herders or collaboration with bandits. However, fresh explanations from state officials have now linked the arrested men to a joint security initiative coordinated by the federal government in response to deadly attacks in the area.
Speaking on Informant247, Ibrahim Abdulateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, said the men were incorporated into a joint task force style arrangement after the September 29 attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to him, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinated a security response involving recognised security personnel, local vigilantes and members of Miyetti Allah.
“Under their security arrangement, they deploy recognised officers alongside a joint task force that includes members of Miyetti Allah and local vigilante networks,” Abdulateef said. “As part of efforts to support the operation, a patrol vehicle was provided through the local government chairman.”
He explained that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with the patrol vehicle and were subsequently reported to security agencies.
“They were later arrested in Auchi, Edo State, not anywhere in Kwara,” he said, adding that the state government had formally requested the return of the vehicle.
Abdulateef also clarified that the armed individuals were from Ifelodun Local Government Area and were neither Yoruba nor apprehended within Kwara State during the later interception.
Meanwhile, Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, dismissed speculation surrounding one of the names mentioned in the confessions.
“Victor is not an officer of the Department of State Services or the Nigerian Air Force,” Ajakaye said. “He is a police sergeant attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser.”
He added that Victor and the vigilante operatives had since left Kwara State in line with the wishes of the affected communities, a decision the government said it respected.
The Chief Press Secretary cautioned against sensational reporting of sensitive security issues, describing the situation as a secrecy dilemma that requires careful balance between public accountability and national security.
“We are living through a difficult phase of national security emergency,” he said in a WhatsApp message. “The pain of losing our brothers and sisters and of losing our peace of mind cannot be quantified. Losing one life is a tragedy, let alone many lives.”
The state government appealed for calm, urging political leaders and community figures to exercise restraint and responsibility amid rising tensions.
“Statesmen and patriots are not defined in times of peace and comfort,” he said. “The elite, who bear the responsibility of guiding the masses, must handle these matters with tact and patriotism.”
He added, “May God guide us, restore peace in our land, expose evildoers and their collaborators, and make our country stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous. This is a time for careful leadership, not reckless accusations.”
On October 2, 2025, SaharaReporters reported growing opposition among Kwara residents to an alleged directive by the National Security Adviser to deploy armed Fulani herders as part of efforts to curb banditry. The plan reportedly sparked resistance from both residents and Fulani leaders, who warned it could worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.
The controversy followed a high level security meeting held in Ilorin, where federal authorities and security agencies met to address escalating cases of kidnappings, killings and cattle rustling across Kwara communities.
Sources said the meeting involved local Fulani leaders affiliated with Miyetti Allah, alongside officials of the DSS and the police. Several Fulani stakeholders reportedly opposed any plan to arm Bororos, warning that it could further inflame violence.
The leaders also raised concerns about the influx of herders from neighbouring states, alleging that some conceal weapons among their cattle to evade security checks.
The meeting reportedly discussed restricting cattle movement, including proposals to ban grazing in parts of Kwara Central after 5 pm, citing night grazing as a cover for criminal activity.
Sources added that previous deployments of Bororos in crisis areas, including parts of Kwara South, failed to stop killings and kidnappings, reinforcing opposition to the strategy.