Ex-Lawmaker Calls for Probe as Kwara Dismisses Bandit Arms Supply Claims

An ex-lawmaker has urged authorities to launch a formal investigation following allegations that bandits in Kwara State were supplied with arms and a patrol vehicle, claims which the state government has vehemently dismissed.

The controversy erupted after some of the suspected bandits arrested by the Nigerian Army in Ifelodun Local Government Area allegedly confessed to obtaining AK‑47 rifles and a patrol vehicle from individuals linked to government officials. According to reports, the suspects claimed the weapons were provided by the state government and used during operations in local communities. The Kwara State Government has dismissed the claims, describing them as false, misleading, and politically motivated. The Nigerian Army has also refuted reports suggesting that bandits seized military weapons or overran troops, insisting that security forces continue to record successes against criminal elements in the state. Despite these denials, the ex-lawmaker has called for a thorough probe to verify the allegations, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing insecurity in the region Meanwhile, security agencies in the state have continued their operations against criminal networks. The police recently intercepted 100 live AK‑47 rounds and arrested several suspects linked to the supply of arms to bandits. The Department of State Services (DSS) also apprehended a medical doctor accused of supplying pharmaceuticals to kidnapping gangs in Kwara. The allegations have sparked public debate, with civil society groups and former officials demanding that all claims, including videos and interrogation records, be carefully examined to prevent misinformation and ensure public trust in anti-banditry efforts. Kwara State has experienced a mix of heightened security operations and violent incidents in recent months, prompting calls for increased deployment of troops and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities. As the state navigates these conflicting claims, all eyes remain on whether a formal investigation will substantiate the bandits’ allegations or reinforce the government’s position that the claims are unfounded.