The Kwara State Police Command has denied viral social media reports claiming that suspected Boko Haram members were arrested in Ilorin, describing the information as false and capable of causing unnecessary fear among residents.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said no Boko Haram suspect was arrested anywhere in the state, contrary to reports making the rounds online.
According to the command, “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 police explained that what actually happened was a routine stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit during an intelligence-led surveillance patrol on Tuesday night in Ilorin.
The statement noted that officers intercepted a truck carrying several Fulani travellers and subjected them to security screening in line with standard 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.
“In line with established security protocols and due diligence, the vehicle and all occupants were professionally screened, profiled, and thoroughly searched by the operatives.”
Police authorities added that nothing incriminating was found on the travellers after the checks were completed.
“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, while relevant identification details and other necessary information were properly documented by the police for security purposes.”
The travellers were later escorted out of Ilorin and allowed to continue their journey after the screening process.
Meanwhile, the command confirmed the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and vandals during a separate operation around the Asa Dam/Dangote Road area of Ilorin.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended after intelligence reports and complaints from residents over criminal activities in the area.
“Acting on sustained surveillance and credible intelligence following recent concerns raised by members of the public over suspected criminal activities within the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis, operatives of the VCRU in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 May 2026, swiftly responded to suspicious movements around the Tanke area of Ilorin.
“The operation led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the vandalisation of government-installed solar light infrastructure and armed robbery-related activities within the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis.”
The police disclosed that preliminary findings showed the suspects belonged to a wider criminal network operating in parts of Ilorin metropolis.
Recovered items from the suspects included two locally fabricated pistols, pliers, and suspected hard drugs allegedly used in carrying out their operations.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, praised the efforts of the Violent Crime Response Unit and assured residents that the command would continue its crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
“He reassured members of the public that no criminal element would be allowed to operate freely within the state.”