Kwara Arrests Suspected Bandit Disguised as Beggar
By Momodu Favour
Security operatives in Kwara State have arrested a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised himself as a beggar to infiltrate communities, amid fresh intelligence reports warning that terrorists are adopting new tactics, including posing as mentally unstable persons, to gain access to unsuspecting settlements.
Sources within the local security network disclosed that the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence and heightened surveillance across parts of the state.
The arrest reportedly took place after residents raised suspicion over the movements and unusual activities of the individual, who had been moving from one community to another under the guise of soliciting alms.
According to security officials, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect may have been gathering information about community layouts, security presence, and potential targets.
Items recovered from him were said to have further strengthened suspicions about his mission, although authorities have yet to disclose full details pending ongoing investigations.
The development comes against the backdrop of intelligence alerts indicating that criminal elements and terrorist groups are increasingly resorting to deceptive tactics to evade detection.
Among the strategies identified is the use of disguises such as beggars, itinerant traders, and persons feigning mental illness to freely access neighborhoods and gather sensitive information.
A senior security source noted that such tactics are designed to exploit public sympathy and reduce suspicion, making it easier for perpetrators to conduct reconnaissance before carrying out attacks.
Community leaders in parts of Kwara have since urged residents to remain vigilant and report unusual movements to security agencies, while cautioning against profiling or harassment of genuine vulnerable persons.
The Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies have reassured residents that measures are being intensified to forestall any security breaches.
Observers say the arrest underscores the evolving nature of security threats in the country and highlights the need for sustained collaboration between residents and law enforcement authorities.
Residents have been advised to verify the identities of unfamiliar individuals loitering within their communities and to promptly alert authorities to suspicious activities, as security agencies continue efforts to curb banditry and terrorism across the region.
