South-West States Tighten Security as Bandit Attacks Escalate in Kwara

South-West states have heightened security measures following the surge of terrorist and bandit attacks in Kwara State, raising fears of possible infiltration into neighbouring Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo.

Security chiefs confirmed on Thursday that proactive containment strategies had been activated to prevent fleeing bandits from crossing into their states. This follows intelligence reports that some attackers, who recently killed dozens in Kwara communities, were moving toward the South-West.

Kwara has witnessed a wave of deadly raids in recent weeks. On September 29, bandits killed at least 12 members of a forest guard unit and a traditional chief in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government. Just days earlier, terrorists abducted residents in Edu LGA, while another attack on Sunday left 15 vigilantes, a traditional ruler and several others dead. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Oke-Ode to commiserate with families, described the situation as “challenging” and pledged stronger military support.

In response, the Nigerian Air Force deployed fighter jets to aid ground troops, while top security officials including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu intensified efforts to contain the crisis.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also offered support, urging urgent collaboration between states and federal authorities. He called for justice for victims and highlighted the historical coexistence between Yoruba and Fulani, stressing the need for renewed conflict resolution.

Security agencies across the South-West confirmed fresh deployments. In Oyo, Amotekun Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) assured residents the state was secure. Osun’s police command said seven tactical teams had been dispatched to border areas, while Ondo police reported increased intelligence and checkpoints in border communities. Ekiti’s security adviser, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.) disclosed coordinated border patrols with Oyo and Osun to block infiltration.

At the federal level, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, warned that insurgency and banditry remain threats to Nigeria and the wider Sahel. He stressed regional cooperation, robust intelligence and community involvement as key to lasting peace.

The situation in Kwara remains tense, with many villagers displaced, but coordinated security operations suggest a stronger push to prevent further incursions into the South-West.