Six members of a vigilante group from Kwara State, who were arrested by the Nigerian Army on December 31, 2025, have been released after a thorough investigation. The men were detained along the Auchi‑Ikpeshi highway in the Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. According to SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, the six individuals were handed over to the command by Brigadier General N.N. Rume, Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, for investigation and profiling. They had been traveling in a vehicle belonging to the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The investigation established that the six are legitimate members of a vigilante group that collaborates with recognized security agencies to combat banditry and other forms of criminality. Consequently, the Kwara State Police Command exonerated the vigilantes of any wrongdoing and released them to their respective leaders.
The release underscores the importance of synergy among security agencies and community‑based security outfits. Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi reiterated the command’s commitment to collaboration, urging all groups to operate within the confines of the law and assuring the public that the police remain dedicated to the safety and security of all residents in the state. The incident highlights the need for effective communication and coordination among security agencies to avoid misunderstandings and ensure successful execution of their duties.
The Nigerian Army and the police continue to work together to address security challenges in the region, including banditry and other criminal activities. The vigilantes’ release is a positive step toward strengthening this partnership and promoting community‑based security initiatives.
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