Seven Kidnapped, Several Injured in Fresh Kwara Bandit Attack

At least seven persons have been abducted, while several others sustained injuries following another bandit attack in Kwara State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Friday at about 7pm in Adanla community, Igbaja Ward 2, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where seven residents were taken and others injured, barely a day after Christmas.

Sahara Reporters quoted a source as saying that the assailants invaded the community in large numbers, firing gunshots indiscriminately as they broke into homes and abducted residents.

“Today, 26 December 2025, at about 7:30pm, Adanla, Igbaja Ward 2, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was invaded by bandits. Our peaceful community is in deep sorrow, grief and agony,” the source said.

The gunmen were said to have kidnapped seven individuals during the invasion, with several others suffering gunshot wounds.

“They invaded our homes during this festive season and forcibly kidnapped seven people, injuring several others. They fired several gunshots, and seven of our family members are now in the den of these heartless criminals,” the source added.

The latest incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity in Kwara State and across the North-Central region, where residents continue to grapple with banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks, even during festive seasons.

Contacted for comments, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she had not yet received a comprehensive briefing on the incident.

“I am yet to be properly briefed about the incident. I got the information last night too, but as soon as I have details, I will get back to you,” she said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Nigeria Police Force recently arrested two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, carried out the arrest during a covert operation on December 19, in collaboration with personnel of the Kwara State Police Command.

The operation led to the interception and arrest of two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, popularly called Gide, aged 30.

Hundeyin disclosed that both suspects were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village of Kaiama Local Government Area in the state.

Items recovered from the suspects included one brand-new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was bought with ransom proceeds; ₦500,000.00 in unspent ransom cash; and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.

What do you think is driving the worsening insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comment section.