ADABATV
A member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has been arrested in Kwara State after he was allegedly found carrying a rifle reportedly issued through a federal security arrangement coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the suspect was apprehended in a community in Kwara South, an area that has experienced a troubling surge in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes in recent months.
According to the sources, residents became suspicious after spotting the man moving around the community with a firearm concealed under his clothing. He was eventually arrested and handed over to operatives of the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
A photograph shared with journalists reportedly shows the suspect, identified as a Miyetti Allah member, allegedly hiding a rifle inside his jacket. The development has heightened public anxiety over the growing circulation of firearms and the involvement of non-state actors in local security operations.
Growing Fears Over Arms Proliferation
The arrest has reignited debate among residents of Kwara South, many of whom have repeatedly raised concerns about worsening insecurity and the effectiveness of current security measures. Communities in the region have complained of frequent attacks and abductions, with little relief despite ongoing security efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the arrest or explaining how the firearm came into the suspect’s possession.
Government Links Arrest to Federal Security Initiative
The incident follows earlier reports that armed individuals apprehended by soldiers in Kwara State — initially suspected to be bandits — were later identified as members of Miyetti Allah participating in a federally coordinated security operation.
Both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah had initially denied claims that herders were armed or collaborating with criminal groups. However, subsequent clarifications by state officials have linked the arrested individuals to a joint security framework put in place after deadly attacks in the state.
Speaking on Informant247, Ibrahim Abdulateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, confirmed that some Miyetti Allah members were incorporated into a security arrangement following the September 29 attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to Abdulateef, the initiative involved recognised security personnel working alongside local vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Controversy Over Armed Non-State Actors
Public concern intensified after reports emerged that Nigerian soldiers intercepted armed individuals carrying AK-47 rifles while moving in a security patrol vehicle in Ifelodun. The suspects allegedly claimed they were sponsored by the “Ilorin government,” sparking outrage and renewed fears over state complicity in insecurity.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported strong opposition from residents to an alleged plan to deploy armed Fulani herders, popularly referred to as Bororos, as part of counter-banditry operations in Kwara. The proposal reportedly involved arming non-state actors under a controversial security framework.
Abdulateef explained that under the arrangement, both recognised security operatives and a Joint Task Force-style unit — including vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members — were deployed. He added that a patrol vehicle was provided through a local government authority.
However, he alleged that after completing their assignment, some of the operatives absconded with the patrol vehicle and were later arrested in Auchi, Edo State, not within Kwara. He said the state government has formally requested the return of the vehicle.
Further Clarifications From Government
Meanwhile, Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, clarified that one of the individuals named in earlier confessions, identified as Victor, is not a member of the Department of State Services (DSS) or the Nigerian Air Force, as earlier speculated.
“Victor is a police sergeant attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Ajakaye stated.
He added that Victor and the vigilante operatives have since exited Kwara State in line with the wishes of affected communities — a decision the government said it respected.
Call for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
The state government has urged the public, political leaders, and community influencers to exercise restraint and responsibility in discussing sensitive security matters. Officials warned against sensational reporting that could further inflame tensions or undermine national security efforts.
“We are facing a serious national security challenge,” Ajakaye noted. “The pain of losing lives and living in fear cannot be overstated. This is a moment that requires careful leadership, not reckless accusations.”
The government called for unity and calm, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at restoring peace while allowing investigations to run their course.
