In a joint security operation in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state, police has arrested a 20-year-old man, Mallami Abubakar, from Isanlu-Dankuturu in Kogi State, suspected to be newly recruited member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The arrest reportedly occurred on April 1 around 8:00 a.m. in Nanu community, with police operatives, national forest guards, and local vigilante groups participating in the operation.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama said police sources confirmed the patrol was part of ongoing efforts to bolster surveillance in forested and border communities across the state.
Abubakar is currently in custody for further investigation.
“During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that he was contacted by a friend identified only as Babi from Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area, who invited him to join a suspected ISWAP/Lakurawa group in Farin Suna area of Baruten Local Government Area,” the security analyst said.
Zagazola explained that police are working to verify the suspect’s claims and “track other suspected members of the criminal network”.
He added that the command is cooperating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
“The command assured residents of continued collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to rid the state of criminal elements,” he said.
