Bandits Launch Coordinated Attacks in Kwara Communities
Residents of Kwara State faced renewed terror as armed bandits launched simultaneous attacks on two separate communities on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The violent incidents have heightened security concerns across the region, with local leaders urgently calling for military intervention to combat the escalating threat.
Security Forces Repel Attack in Share Community
In Share community, located within Ifelodun Local Government Area, combined security forces successfully repelled a bandit assault after approximately one hour of intense gunfire exchange. According to official statements from Ibraheem Abdullateef, senior special assistant on communications to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, the confrontation resulted in no reported casualties or abductions.
Abdullateef confirmed via his verified social media account: "Further information is being awaited. May God bless and protect our gallant security forces always." The swift response by security personnel prevented what could have been a more devastating outcome in the Share community.
Four Residents Kidnapped in Kakafu Community Attack
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally alarming incident, suspected bandits stormed the remote Kakafu community in Patigi Local Government Area during the early hours of Sunday. The attackers abducted four residents, including one man, a woman, and her two female children, in an operation that began around 1:30 a.m.
Eyewitness accounts describe how the assailants arrived firing sporadic gunshots into the air, creating panic and confusion among residents who scrambled for safety. A local source revealed: "They did not kill anyone. They only abducted the four victims and fired indiscriminately to create fear and confusion among the villagers."
The bandits reportedly operated without resistance before escaping with their captives to an unknown destination. A forest guard, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, expressed the community's trauma: "People are still in shock. Panic has gripped the community because the assailants are believed to be hiding in nearby villages."
Police Response and Official Statements
When contacted about the Kakafu incident, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson for Kwara State, stated she was not aware of the attack at the time of inquiry. This response has raised questions about communication and coordination among security agencies in the region.
The Kwara State government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has acknowledged the increasing frequency of armed attacks, particularly along the Kwara-Niger axis. Official statements indicate the administration is actively responding to these security challenges, though specific measures remain unspecified.
Rising Terrorism Concerns in Kwara State
These latest attacks occur against a backdrop of escalating terrorism in Kwara State. In October 2025, the al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) carried out its first documented attack on Nigerian soil near Woro, signaling a dangerous expansion of extremist activities into the region.
Religious and community leaders have intensified calls for federal intervention, urging President Bola Tinubu to establish a permanent military base in the area to deter future attacks. Their appeals come as residents report growing fear and uncertainty about their safety.
Historical Context of Violence in the Region
This incident follows a pattern of violence that has plagued Kwara communities in recent months. Previous reports documented deadly attacks in Lade and surrounding areas of Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas, where armed bandits killed three local vigilantes, injured numerous security operatives, and stole over 100 cattle.
The twin attacks on February 15 represent a concerning escalation in both frequency and coordination of bandit activities in Kwara State. As communities grapple with the psychological and physical impacts of these assaults, pressure mounts on both state and federal authorities to implement more effective security measures.
Residents remain on high alert, with many expressing frustration at what they perceive as inadequate protection from security forces. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing Nigeria's security apparatus as it contends with multiple threats across different regions simultaneously.
