How 40 Motorcycles-Riding Bandits Ambushed, Brutalised Six Kwara Security Operatives

Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi

How 40 Motorcycles-Riding Bandits Ambushed, Brutalised Six Kwara Security Operatives

Suspected bandits have reportedly ambushed and brutalised six members of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Bani community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attack occurred as the operatives were returning from a meeting in Kaiama town, shortly before reaching Bani community.

The chairman of the private security organisation, Isiak Olayiwola, disclosed details of the incident, describing the attack as heartbreaking and a disturbing development for community-based security efforts in the state.

According to Olayiwola, the six operatives were travelling back to Bani when between 30 and 40 motorcycles carrying armed men suddenly emerged and launched an attack on them.

He said the attackers were heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, adding that the security operatives had only two firearms among them for personal protection.

Olayiwola explained that his men were not on a mission to confront any armed group but were simply returning from their meeting when they were ambushed.

He said, “They were returning from a meeting in Kaiama town to Bani when they were ambushed on their way back.”

The security chief added that the attackers opened fire on the operatives shortly before they entered the community.

He expressed gratitude that none of the six members was killed during the attack, attributing their survival to divine intervention.

A video of the incident, which surfaced on October 26, showed the captured operatives sitting on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs while armed men interrogated them.

In the footage, the captors repeatedly questioned the victims about their membership of the Iru Ekun Security Network and their activities in Bani community.

One of the armed men was heard challenging the operatives over what he described as their refusal to heed earlier warnings against associating with the security organisation or accommodating its members in the community.

One of the captives, identified as Jelili Alagbere, who was wearing an Iru Ekun-branded shirt, was questioned about his involvement in the organisation.

Another captive, Yusuf Alagbere, reportedly identified himself as a hunter, explaining that he had been invited by some individuals known as the Elere boys.

A third captive, identified as Rafiu, was also questioned about his identity and connection with the security outfit.

An elderly man among the captives, however, denied belonging to the organisation, insisting that he was not an Iru Ekun member.

Towards the end of the recording, the armed men reportedly asked the captives whether they would continue participating in the organisation’s activities. The victims were heard responding in the negative.

Olayiwola subsequently identified one of the suspected attackers as Sardauna, alleging that he was among those who participated in the shooting and personally recorded the interrogation.

He claimed that Sardauna was holding the phone and conducting the questioning while also opening fire on the security operatives.

The chairman said the video eventually found its way to the security organisation, although the person who recorded it was allegedly unaware that it would reach them.

Meanwhile, Olayiwola commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his efforts towards securing the rescue of the six operatives.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in parts of Kwara State, particularly the dangers confronting local security groups involved in protecting vulnerable communities against armed attacks and kidnapping.

The development also highlights the growing risks faced by community-based security operatives operating in areas where heavily armed criminal groups reportedly maintain a presence.