Several Killed, Ringleader, 25 Others Arrested In Statewide Crack Down On Criminals In Kwara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kwara State Government on Thursday July 17, 2025, confirmed the arrest of the notorious wanted leader of a daredevil criminal syndicate terrorizing some parts of the State, particularly Edu and Patigi Local Councils.

Tambaya, and over 15 members of his dread criminal gang, were said to have been rounded up by the Kwara State Joint Security Taskforce in a renewed clampdown on identified criminal hideouts in some parts of the State.

A statement from Malam Rafiu  Ajakaye ,the Governor’s spokesperson, on Thursday, informed that Tambaya and his gang members have been linked to a series of high profile security breaches in the two Council Areas.

The group according to the State Authorities has been identified as being responsible for several attacks on security personnel ,and vigilantes in and around Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of recent.

Ajakaye noted that during the coordinated crackdown, said to have been conducted in partnership between the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA and the Kwara state Government , several members of the Tambaya gang were also killed.

“More than 15 criminals including the out law named Tambaya ,have been arrested in the new security clampdown in the areas.

“Tambaya was the major mastermind of the recent attack on security forces and vigilantes in Gada, Lafiagi.

“Tambaya and eight others were arrested in one encounter with the security forces , while several of his gang members were eliminated”, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary stated.

The operation, the statement added, led to the rescue of two victims and the recovery of the sum of N11 million from the camp of the criminal syndicate.

This is as the Joint Security forces  on Wednesday July 15, also arrested over 20 criminal elements in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State.

The Governor’s spokesperson emphasized the unwavering commitment of the joint security team to rid the State of the activities of criminal elements.