The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the Kwara South Senatorial District, to serve as a rapid response centre against growing insecurity in the area.
Lawmakers specifically recommended that the base be located near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area, which they described as a hotspot for bandit activity and kidnappings.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) on the urgent need to address the worsening security situation in the senatorial district.
In his motion, Ashiru decried the increasing cases of killings, abductions, and attacks by armed bandits across Kwara South, noting that entire communities had been displaced.
“In just the past month, no fewer than twelve forest guards and local vigilante members were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in Oke-Ode,” Ashiru told the Senate.
“Among those slain were traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri.”
According to the lawmaker, over 142 people have been kidnapped and more than 70 killed in the past year across the senatorial district, with at least 25 communities abandoned due to repeated attacks triggering a humanitarian and social crisis.
Senate’s Resolution
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional troops and special tactical units to flush out criminal elements from the forests and restore peace to the affected areas.
The lawmakers also emphasized the need for improved coordination between federal and state security agencies, as well as support for local vigilante groups working alongside security forces.
Rising Security Concerns in Kwara
The call comes amid a surge in violent incidents across parts of Kwara State.
In August, gunmen attacked the Babanla community in Ifelodun LGA, killing five people, including a police officer identified as Adejumo Wasiu.
On October 2, another police officer, Ezra John, attached to the Lade Division, was abducted along the Patigi–Lade road while returning from official duty.
The route has become notorious for criminal ambushes, sparking fresh fears among residents.
Governor Vows Tougher Action
Reacting to the growing threats, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s determination to root out criminals and safeguard communities across the state.
“I have assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts,” the governor said after a security council meeting.
“Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.”
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