Suspected ISWAP Recruit Arrested in Joint Security Operation in Kwara

A 20-year-old man suspected of being a newly recruited member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been arrested during a joint security operation in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, is a native of Isanlu-Dankuturu in Kogi State. His arrest took place on April 1 at approximately 8:00 a.m. in the Nanu community, according to security sources.

The operation involved police operatives, national forest guards, and local vigilante groups. It was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance in forested and border communities across the state, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed, citing police sources.

Abubakar is currently in custody as investigations continue. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that he was contacted by a friend identified only as Babi from Babana village in the Borgu Local Government Area. The friend reportedly invited him to join a suspected ISWAP/Lakurawa group operating in the Farin Suna area of the Baruten Local Government Area.

Authorities are working to verify the suspect’s claims and track other suspected members of the criminal network. The police command also assured residents of continued cooperation with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to rid the state of criminal elements.

Attempts to reach the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for comment were unsuccessful.