The Kwara State Police Command has refuted claims circulating online that suspected Boko Haram members were arrested in Ilorin, the state capital, describing the reports as false and capable of causing unnecessary fear among residents.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said there had been no arrest of Boko Haram suspects anywhere in the state.
“The information being shared on social media suggesting that Boko Haram suspects were arrested in Ilorin is entirely false and misleading,” the statement said. “No such arrest occurred in any part of Kwara State.”
The police explained that the misunderstanding stemmed from a security operation conducted by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit on Tuesday night, during which a truck carrying Fulani travellers was intercepted in Ilorin for routine checks.
According to the command, the operation formed part of intelligence-driven surveillance efforts aimed at ensuring public safety.
The statement noted that officers carried out thorough screening and profiling of the passengers in line with standard security procedures.
“After extensive checks, no weapons, incriminating materials, or threats to security were found,” the police stated.
Authorities added that the travellers identified themselves as individuals heading to Jigawa State and that their details were documented before they were allowed to continue their journey.
The police warned against the spread of unverified information, stressing that false security reports could heighten tension and disrupt public peace.
Meanwhile, the command disclosed that a separate operation led to the arrest of three suspected criminals allegedly linked to armed robbery and vandalism along the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis in Ilorin.
The suspects were apprehended following complaints from residents about suspicious activities in the area.
Police said preliminary findings connected the suspects to a syndicate accused of vandalising government-installed solar infrastructure and engaging in robbery-related crimes.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects include locally made firearms, pliers, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit for their intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and will not allow criminal activities to thrive,” the statement added.
