Their arrest sparked concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the receipt, investigation, and subsequent release of six armed men earlier alleged to be members of Miyetti Allah, following a federal security operation involving the Nigerian Army in Edo State.
The men, described by authorities as vigilante operatives, were initially arrested by soldiers along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Their arrest sparked concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police confirmed that the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume.
According to the statement, the handover was carried out strictly for investigation and profiling.
The statement read, "The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, it received six (6) vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
"The Vigilantes, travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N.N. Rume, for the purpose of investigation and profiling.
"Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality."
Adetoun said, "Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders.
"The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, reiterates the Command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.
"Members of the public are assured that the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State."
On December 16, 2025, the Kwara State Government had clarified that the armed men recently apprehended by soldiers in the state, initially believed to be bandits, are members of Miyetti Allah participating in a federal security operation coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The clarification comes in the wake of public concern following reports by SaharaReporters that Nigerian soldiers intercepted a group of armed individuals carrying AK-47 rifles while patrolling in a security vehicle in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The suspects claimed that they were sponsored by the ‘Ilorin government,’ a development that sparked public anger and renewed fears over insecurity in the state.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that residents strongly opposed an alleged plan by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to deploy armed Fulani herders, popularly known as Bororos, to combat banditry in Kwara.
The plan was said to involve the arming of non-state actors with AK-47 rifles under a controversial security framework.
Both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah initially denied any arrangement involving the arming of herders or collaboration with bandits.
However, fresh clarifications by state officials have now linked the arrested men to a joint security initiative coordinated by the federal government following deadly attacks in the area.
Speaking on Informant247, Ibrahim Abdulateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, confirmed that the arrested individuals were members of Miyetti Allah who were incorporated into a Joint Task Force-style arrangement following the September 29 attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to him, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinated a security response involving recognised security officers alongside local vigilantes and members of Miyetti Allah.
“Under their security setup, they use both recognised officers and a JTF which includes members of Miyetti Allah and local vigilante networks,” Abdulateef said. “In a bid to empower security forces, a patrol vehicle was provided through the local government chairman.”
He added that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with the patrol van and were promptly reported to security authorities.
“They were later arrested in Auchi, Edo State, not anywhere in Kwara,” he said, adding that the state government had formally written to request the return of its vehicle.
Abdulateef also clarified that the individuals, who were armed, originated from Ifelodun Local Government and were neither Yoruba nor apprehended within Kwara State during the subsequent interception.
Meanwhile, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, has clarified that one of the individuals named in the confessions, identified as Victor, is neither an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) nor the Nigerian Air Force, contrary to earlier speculation.
“Victor is a police sergeant attached to the NSA Office,” the CPS said.
He further disclosed that Victor and the vigilante operatives had since left Kwara State in line with the position of affected local communities, a decision the government said it respected.