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Introduction
In recent times, Kwara State in Nigeria’s North-Central, has witnessed a continuous rise in insecurity, marking a shift from its long-held reputation as one of Nigeria’s more peaceful states.
The major security challenges include armed banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks on rural communities. These incidents are mainly concentrated in parts of Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, Ekiti, Isin, and Irepodun Local Government Areas of the state, where residents have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups.
Kidnapping has emerged as one of the most common crimes, affecting farmers, traders, travellers, worshippers, and even foreign nationals.
Terrorists frequently abduct victims from highways, farms, homes, and religious centres, often demanding heavy ransoms.
In several cases, attacks have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of entire communities, increasing fear and uncertainty among residents.
The impact of the insecurity has been severe on social and economic activities. Farming, which is a major occupation in the affected areas, has been disrupted as farmers abandon their fields for fear of attacks. Schools have been closed in some local government areas, while curfews have been imposed to curb the violence.
Claim
As the end of insecurity in the state, looks bleak, with no hope in sight, a US-based newspaper, Sahara Reporters on 28 January, published an image of three rough-looking men and claimed that they were the leaders of the Miyetti Allah, a cattle breeding association, who were arrested for their involvement in kidnappings and sponsoring of banditry in Kwara State.
Facebook page, The Reliant News,s also reported this claim.
The Facebook page posted the photo with a caption that reads, “BREAKING NEWS: Leaders of the Kwara State chapter of Miyetti Allah, including their President, Idris Abubakar, have been arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping and sponsorship of armed bandit groups in the state.”
The gammered over 500 reactions and more than 400 comments as of 29 January.
FACTWATCH Nigeria observed that the claim had been distributed to other social media platforms. See this claim here and here.
Verification
However, FACTWATCH Nigeria subjected the photo to Google Lens and the results showed that the image was from a different incident that happened in Kebbi in 2025 and was unrelated to the claim.
Credible news organizations reported in January 2025 that the three men in the photo were suspected bandits who tried to bribe the police in Kebbi State to be freed.
That year, the Police in Kebbi State announced that its officer rejected a ₦1,060,000 bribe offered by suspects in the state.
According to the statement, “On January 13, 2025, at about 1800hrs, one Umaru Garba ‘m’ aged 53yrs of Dangandu village, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman ‘m’ aged 51yrs of Maimaichi village, all of Arewa LGA, and Usman Muhammadu ‘m’ aged 50yrs of Bakaramba village in Argungu LGA, conspired and offered the sum of One Million and Sixty Thousand Naira (# 1, 060, 000) bribe to the Command’s lead Investigator, at the premises of the State Criminal Investigation Department, State Headquarters, Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi.
“The bribe is with a view to compromise the Investigation and prosecution of a case of banditry allegedly perpetrated by suspected Lakurawa terrorists operating in the northern part of the State.
“The suspects were instantly arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing, after which they will be charged in court for prosecution.
See this similar report here and here.
Verdict
This claim is MISLEADING because the image attached to it was unrelated.
Credit: FACTWATCH Nigeria
