Bandits Kill Five Forest Guards in Kwara Midnight Attack, Police Launch Manhunt
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KAIAMA, Kwara State, April 10, 2026 (Naija247news) – Armed bandits on Friday killed five forest guards, including a commander, during a midnight assault on Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, triggering panic and fresh security concerns in the region. Local sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, overwhelming the forest guards in a fierce exchange. The assailants reportedly destroyed motorcycles belonging to the guards, set patrol vehicles ablaze, and torched several buildings during the ആക്രമ. Residents described scenes of chaos as gunfire echoed through the night, forcing villagers to flee their homes in search of safety. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire, noting that tactical and intelligence-driven operations have commenced to track down those responsible. Governor Mourns, Commends Fallen Guards Reacting to the tragedy, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said he received news of the killings with “a heavy heart,” praising the bravery of the fallen guards. According to the governor, the forest guards put up stiff resistance, reportedly neutralising dozens of the attackers during the confrontation. “Nothing can truly compensate for the ultimate sacrifice that the fallen guards have made on our behalf. Our sincere condolences go to their families and communities. They will forever remain our heroes,” he said in a statement issued by his media aide, Bashir Adigun. AbdulRazaq added that the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups to rural communities, urging the military high command to recalibrate its counterterrorism strategies. Security Reinforcement and Strategic Response In response to the escalating insecurity, the governor has constituted a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee comprising retired senior military officers and top security officials. The committee is chaired by retired Major General G. A. Wahab and includes prominent figures such as Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A. S. A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W. A. Lawal. Permanent Secretary (General Services), Shuaib Abdulganiyu, will serve as secretary. The committee is expected to hold its inaugural meeting on April 10 as part of efforts to develop a comprehensive security framework for the state. Rising Tensions in Rural Kwara The latest attack adds to growing fears among residents of Kaiama and surrounding communities, many of whom have reportedly begun abandoning their homes due to repeated bandit incursions. Security analysts warn that the spread of armed groups into North-Central states like Kwara signals a dangerous expansion of Nigeria’s insecurity belt, traditionally concentrated in the North-West and parts of the North-East. Authorities say ongoing operations are aimed at restoring calm an...