Six members of a vigilante group from Kwara State, arrested by the Nigerian Army on December 31, 2025, have been released after a thorough investigation. The vigilantes were detained along the Auchi-Ikpeshi highway in 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 the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General N.N. Rume, for investigation and profiling. The vigilantes were traveling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Following the investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group collaborating with recognized security agencies to combat banditry and other forms of criminality. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the vigilante members were exonerated of any wrongdoing and subsequently released to their respective leaders.
The release of the vigilantes highlights the importance of synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits. The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the command’s commitment to collaboration and urged all groups to operate within the confines of the law. The commissioner assured the public that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state.
The incident underscores the need for effective communication and coordination among security agencies to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the successful execution of their duties. The Nigerian Army and the police have been working together to address security challenges in the region, including banditry and other forms of criminality. The release of the vigilantes is a positive step towards strengthening this partnership and promoting community-based security initiatives.
