Kwara State security agencies have arrested a man from Makurdi, Benue State, accused of supplying weapons to bandits operating in the state.
The arrest follows Tuesday’s violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku community of Ekiti Local Government Area.
Security agents also detained several suspects linked to supplying food, drugs and general sustenance to bandits at their hideouts.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this to journalists of the state police command while reporting on the outcome of the previous meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House, Ilorin.
He revealed that the security council noted with dismay the damaging impact of social media on the country’s fight against insurgency, particularly on reporting on security matters.
The council, however, commended the army, police and the Department of State Security (DSS) for the new deployments in the state, which Ojo explained were in line with the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ojo commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who, a few days ago, deployed four tactical teams, including the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad and Special Tactical Squads, to neutralize threats in the state.
He further stated that the council meeting “gained information from security commanders on recent developments and field intelligence following the Eruku incident, including efforts by security agencies to locate the perpetrators and rescue the victims.”
According to him: “The meeting also praised the increased security deployments, especially the air interdictions that have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, particularly in Ifelodun.
“It calls for continued aerial bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.
“Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals, as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to having arranged weapons for the kidnappers.
“The meeting praised the government’s strategic security decisions regarding schools in parts of the state.”
As security agencies continue their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls, the council called for constant vigilance and early notification of any suspicious movement, Ojo added.
He also stated, “The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state, especially as Christmas approaches. It recommended increased security measures in vulnerable places.
“The meeting noted the harmful impact of social media on the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expressed concern over the dissemination of security information, including ransom demands and amplifying details that expose citizens to danger.
“For public safety he called for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.
“The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that could expose them to harm. It also encouraged prompt reporting of any suspicious movements to security agencies, government authorities and traditional rulers.
“The gathering observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and once again commiserated with their families and the community at large.
The Security Council meeting reviewed various security developments within the state and its borders.