Senate Seeks Military Base to Curb Rising Insecurity in Kwara

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South Senatorial District as part of efforts to curb the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, and banditry in the region. Lawmakers made the call following a motion sponsored by Senator Lola Ashiru, who raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in several communities, particularly those bordering the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

According to Ashiru, the establishment of a military base close to the Ifelodun forest corridor would serve as a rapid response hub for security operations and help reduce the frequency of attacks. He noted that the region, once known for its agricultural productivity and peaceful coexistence, has in recent years turned into a dangerous zone for farmers, travelers, and local residents due to increasing bandit activity.

The senator lamented that in the past month alone, no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilantes were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in Oke-Ode. Among those slain, he said, were traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri, who had been working with security agencies to protect their people.

Ashiru added that within the past year, over 142 people were kidnapped and more than 70 others killed across Kwara South, forcing at least 25 communities to be abandoned due to repeated attacks, creating a humanitarian crisis and social displacement.

He stressed that unless urgent action is taken, more communities would be forced to relocate while criminal groups strengthen their networks across the forests that link Kwara to Kogi and parts of Niger State. The lawmaker therefore called for the immediate deployment of troops and special units to clear the forests of criminal elements, strengthen intelligence sharing among security agencies, and restore peace and confidence among residents.

Kwara Police Officer Seized by Gunmen, Motorcycle Found Abandoned

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to urge the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of relevant security agencies to collaborate in setting up the proposed military base and intensifying operations in affected communities. Lawmakers also appealed for increased funding for rural security infrastructure, better coordination among local vigilantes, and improved welfare for security personnel deployed in volatile areas.

Rising Security Concerns Across Kwara

The call for a military base comes amid a series of violent incidents that have shaken communities across Kwara State in recent months. In August, gunmen attacked Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, killing five persons, including a police officer identified as Adejumo Wasiu.

Barely two months later, on October 2, another police officer, Ezra John, was abducted along the Patigi–Lade road in the Patigi Local Government Area. John, who was attached to the Lade Division, was said to have been returning from official duty at the Patigi General Hospital when the attack occurred. The road, notorious for frequent abductions and robberies, has become a major security flashpoint for residents and commuters.

The incidents have heightened fears among residents who say criminal gangs now operate with increasing boldness. Farmers have reportedly abandoned farmlands out of fear of abduction, while several local vigilante members have been killed in ambushes while responding to distress calls. The worsening insecurity, many say, threatens not only local livelihoods but also food production and rural stability in the region.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has, however, reassured citizens of his administration’s determination to restore order. Following a recent security council meeting, he vowed that nowhere in Kwara would be safe for criminals, promising to work closely with federal security agencies to dismantle bandit networks and block their escape routes. The governor also emphasized that his government would “fight insecurity with every resource at its disposal,” noting that the safety of residents remains the top priority.

AbdulRazaq explained that security agencies have intensified patrols across known blackspots and are collaborating with traditional institutions to improve intelligence gathering. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agents by providing credible information that could help track down kidnappers and other violent offenders.

As insecurity continues to spread across forested areas linking Kwara with neighboring states, the Senate’s call for a permanent military presence is being seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the region. Residents, however, insist that beyond setting up a base, government must ensure continuous funding, robust coordination, and community engagement to sustain the gains of any security operation.

For now, many communities in Kwara South remain on edge, hoping that federal authorities will act swiftly on the Senate’s resolution and bring lasting relief to areas long under siege by criminal elements.