Combined security operatives have arrested three suspected bandits linked to the deadly February 3, 2026 attack on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a significant breakthrough in the ongoing security crackdown.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his aide, Ibraheem Abdullateef, via a Facebook post.
According to Abdullateef, the suspects were apprehended in Kaiama while attempting to purchase a motorcycle, following actionable intelligence gathered by security agencies.
He explained that the suspects had entered the town under the guise of carrying out a legitimate transaction but were intercepted before they could execute any plans.
He further revealed that the arrested individuals are currently cooperating with investigators, providing useful information to aid ongoing operations. Authorities believe their cooperation will help facilitate the rescue of abducted victims and strengthen efforts to restore peace in the affected communities.
The arrests come weeks after coordinated attacks on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities, an incident now widely referred to as the “Woro massacre.”
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The attack is considered one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s recent history, with reports indicating that between 162 and over 200 people lost their lives.
In addition to the fatalities, about 176 residents, including women and children, were reportedly abducted, heightening concerns over insecurity in the region.
A video that surfaced around February 14 allegedly showed some of the victims in captivity, sparking public outrage.
Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act against innocent citizens.
In response, Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of military personnel to the area, leading to the launch of a special security operation codenamed Operation Savannah Shield.
Security agencies have since intensified surveillance and coordinated operations across Kaiama and surrounding communities, as efforts continue to track down other suspects and secure the safe release of those still held captive.
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