Operatives of security agencies have taken into custody three suspected bandits linked to the February 3, 2026 assault on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The arrest was confirmed on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ibraheem Abdullateef, via a Facebook post.
He disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in Kaiama while allegedly trying to buy a motorcycle, following intelligence gathered by security operatives.
According to Abdullateef, the suspects had entered the town under the guise of carrying out a transaction but were trailed and apprehended by operatives acting on credible information.
He further noted that the suspects were already providing useful information to investigators to support efforts aimed at rescuing abducted victims and restoring calm in the affected communities.
“They are cooperating with authorities to advance investigations, aid the release of kidnapped victims, and improve security in the area,” he stated.
The arrests followed the deadly attacks on Woro and nearby Nuku communities, which resulted in heavy casualties and mass abductions.
The incident, regarded as one of the most devastating in the state’s recent history, reportedly claimed between 162 and over 200 lives, while about 176 residents, including women and children, were abducted.
A video that surfaced days after the attack allegedly showed some of the victims in captivity, intensifying fears over their safety.
Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier denounced the killings, describing the incident as a brutal act against innocent people.
In response, President Bola Tinubu directed the deployment of military personnel to the area, prompting the launch of a security operation codenamed Operation Savannah Shield.
Since then, security agencies have stepped up patrols and intelligence operations across Kaiama and surrounding areas as efforts continue to track down other suspects and secure the freedom of those still in captivity.