Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Fresh concerns have emerged over the security situation along the Yagba West axis of Kogi State following claims by a local source that armed bandits operating in the area may be sustaining their activities through logistics and supply routes running through neighbouring communities in Kwara State. The allegation, which has not yet been officially confirmed by security agencies, has intensified anxiety among residents and renewed calls for stronger inter-state cooperation to curb criminal movements across the porous boundary between the two states.
According to the local source, bandits active in Yagba West Local Government Area and adjoining parts of Kwara State are allegedly sourcing food, fuel, information and other forms of logistical support from specific communities within Kwara. The areas mentioned include Idofin, Ahun, Babanla and Oro Ago, all of which are said to be strategically located close to Okunran community in Yagba West. The proximity of these settlements, the source claimed, makes movement between Kogi and Kwara relatively easy for criminal elements seeking to evade detection or replenish supplies.
Yagba West has in recent months experienced heightened insecurity linked to banditry and kidnapping, with residents reporting attacks on highways, farms and places of worship. The situation has placed significant strain on local communities, many of which depend on cross-border trade and movement for their livelihoods. The allegation that bandits may be exploiting these same routes for criminal logistics has deepened fears that legitimate economic and social linkages are being abused by armed groups.
Residents of border communities say the geographical layout of the area presents a major challenge to effective security enforcement. Numerous footpaths, bush tracks and rural roads connect villages across the Kogi–Kwara boundary, often bypassing formal checkpoints. Community members argue that these routes, originally designed for farming and inter-communal trade, have become conduits for criminal activity due to inadequate surveillance and limited security presence.
While the claims remain unverified, they have sparked renewed debate about the role of local intelligence in addressing insecurity. Some residents believe that armed groups cannot operate effectively without some level of local support, whether voluntary or coerced. Others caution against drawing conclusions without thorough investigation, warning that unsubstantiated allegations could stigmatise entire communities and undermine trust among neighbouring populations.
The alleged identification of Idofin, Ahun, Babanla and Oro Ago as logistics points has placed these communities under the spotlight, even as leaders and residents await official clarification. Community representatives in Kwara have stressed that the vast majority of residents are law-abiding citizens who are themselves victims of insecurity. They argue that bandits often exploit fear, poverty and weak security structures to obtain supplies, sometimes through force or intimidation rather than willing collaboration.
Security analysts note that border regions across Nigeria frequently present complex challenges, as criminal groups take advantage of jurisdictional gaps between states. The Yagba West–Kwara axis is no exception, with its mix of rural settlements, forested areas and limited infrastructure making sustained security operations difficult. Analysts say that without coordinated strategies, bandits can easily relocate or shift supply chains in response to pressure from one state to another.
The lack of official confirmation from security agencies has not dampened public concern. Residents in Yagba West say recent experiences have made them more sensitive to any information related to bandit movements and logistics. Some community members recount instances where attackers appeared well-supplied and familiar with local terrain, fuelling speculation that they receive external support or benefit from detailed knowledge of cross-border routes.
Calls are growing for intensified intelligence gathering that goes beyond conventional patrols. Community leaders are urging security agencies to work closely with traditional rulers, vigilante groups and local informants who possess intimate knowledge of the terrain and social dynamics of border communities. They argue that such grassroots intelligence is essential for identifying supply lines and dismantling the networks that sustain bandit operations.
There are also increasing demands for joint security operations between Kogi and Kwara States. Residents and civil society actors believe that coordinated patrols, shared intelligence and synchronized operations could significantly reduce the ability of bandits to exploit state boundaries. They point out that fragmented responses allow criminals to retreat into neighbouring jurisdictions whenever pressure mounts.
State governments in both Kogi and Kwara have in the past acknowledged the challenges posed by cross-border insecurity and have pledged cooperation with federal security agencies. However, critics argue that such cooperation needs to be more visible and consistent, particularly in rural border areas where state presence is often minimal. They say sustained operations, rather than sporadic interventions, are necessary to reassure communities and deter criminal activity.
The alleged logistics routes have also raised questions about the broader socio-economic factors that enable insecurity. Experts note that many rural communities suffer from poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities and inadequate policing, conditions that armed groups can exploit. Addressing these underlying issues, they argue, is just as important as military or police action in achieving lasting security.
For residents of Yagba West, the situation remains tense. Many say they now travel with caution, avoid night journeys and limit activities in remote areas. Farmers in particular express concern about accessing their farmlands, while traders worry about the safety of transporting goods across state lines. The fear that bandits may have established reliable supply routes nearby has only compounded these anxieties.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement responding directly to the claims about logistics sourcing from Kwara communities. Observers say a careful and measured response will be crucial, balancing the need to investigate credible intelligence with the risk of fuelling rumours or inter-communal suspicion. Transparent communication, they argue, could help prevent misinformation while reassuring the public that the matter is being taken seriously.
As the debate continues, residents are united in their call for decisive action. They want increased patrols along known border routes, improved surveillance of bush paths, and a stronger security footprint in vulnerable communities. Many also emphasise the importance of protecting civilians from reprisals and ensuring that innocent residents are not unfairly targeted in the course of security operations.
The allegations surrounding bandit logistics in the Yagba West–Kwara axis underscore the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria’s border regions. Whether confirmed or not, they highlight the urgent need for proactive intelligence-led strategies and inter-state collaboration to disrupt criminal networks before they entrench themselves further. For communities caught in the middle, the hope is that heightened attention will translate into concrete measures that restore safety, rebuild trust and allow daily life to resume without fear.
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