Police arrest 20-year-old ISWAP suspect in Kwara state

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative during a joint security patrol in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Security sources disclosed that the suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, was apprehended at about 8:00 a.m. on April 1 in Nanu community by a combined team of police operatives, national forest guards, and local vigilante members.

The arrest was part of ongoing efforts to enhance surveillance and strengthen security presence in forested and border communities across the state.

Read also:NSIA grows net assets to N4.88tn amid FX losses

According to the sources, the suspect, a native of Isanlu-Dankuturu in Kogi State, was taken into custody for further investigation.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to being recently recruited into a suspected ISWAP/Lakurawa network.

He reportedly stated that he was contacted by an associate identified as “Babi,” from Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, who invited him to join the group operating in the Farin Suna area of Baruten Local Government Area.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to verify the suspect’s claims and identify other members of the network.

The command reiterated its commitment to working in collaboration with other security agencies and community-based groups to combat criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents across the state.