The Kwara State Government refuted social media rumors claiming the Nigerian Army apprehended armed bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area, calling the reports misleading and untrue. This clarification was necessary after a video went viral showing some suspects, allegedly arrested in Ifelodun, claiming they received arms and a vehicle from the state government. In a Sunday statement by Communications Commissioner Mrs. Bola Olukoju, the government asserted that no armed bandit was detained by the Army or any other security force in Ifelodun or anywhere else in Kwara State. The government stated that the Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandit in Ifelodun Local Government Area, contradicting the misinformation spreading online. The Commissioner confirmed that the government reviewed the circulating video where the suspects claimed they had a vehicle supposedly supplied by the “Ilorin Government” and weapons acquired “from Abuja.” However, she stressed that the suspects were not arrested within Kwara State and that no security agency, including the Army, had ever reported such arrests in the state, adding that they were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State, and further details are pending. The government also emphasized that no state government has the authority to provide individuals with AK-47 rifles, noting that the suspects in the video did not claim the Kwara State Government gave them any weapons. Offering additional clarity, the statement explained that the Ifelodun Local Government Authority confirmed that the security van mentioned in the video was initially provided to local vigilantes deployed to assist with security efforts. The statement said these vigilantes have since departed Ifelodun, and the local government has repeatedly filed complaints about the vehicle not being returned. While investigations are underway, the state government urged for better collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies to effectively combat banditry and other violent offenses.
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