Militants plotting to strike three local government areas in Kwara, warns organization

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A security group, Kwara South Joint Security Watch, has raised the alarm over plans by suspected terrorists to launch coordinated attacks on three local government areas in Kwara State.

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The group said intelligence at its disposal indicated that the planned attacks would target Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin Local Government Areas within the Kwara South Senatorial District.

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According to the group, the terrorists are reportedly planning to strike simultaneously on March 23 and March 28, 2026, prompting heightened alert among security agencies in the state.

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Speaking in a telephone interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Coordinator of the group, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the development, noting that the intelligence was being treated with urgency.

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He said, “Yes, it is from the intelligence that we gathered that they are planning to strike and we don’t want to take anything for granted. Of course, the security agencies have been proactive, and we are encouraged because this evening, at about 6pm, they deployed heavy military and paramilitary personnel to the area, including air surveillance.”

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In an earlier statement issued on Saturday, Oyin-Zubair urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements in their communities.

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He added that relevant authorities, including the Kwara State Police Command, as well as chairmen of the affected local government areas and other security outfits, had been formally notified of the looming threat.

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The statement read in part, “In view of the suspected bandits’ attacks on March 23, 2026, and March 28, authorities, including the Kwara State Police Command, chairmen of Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin LGAs, and other security agencies, have been notified and are taking necessary precautions to protect citizens.

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“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Your safety is our priority. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe. Stay safe, stay alert.”

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Sunday PUNCH gathered that community leaders and local security networks were already working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure early detection of any suspicious movement linked to the alleged plot.

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Residents in the affected areas have also been advised to avoid panic while remaining alert, as security agencies intensify surveillance operations across the region.

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The development comes amid growing concerns over the spread of armed groups and banditry in parts of North Central Nigeria, with several states strengthening local security structures to counter emerging threats.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the intelligence report.

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However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the development.

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She, however, promised to get back to our correspondent on the matter but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

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Meanwhile, sources indicated that internal security operations had already been activated across the affected local government areas.

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