Let it be known. Loud and clear. Far and near. Beyond and asunder. Let it be told: We are waiting anxiously for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Even with utmost bated breath. He has let loose our over stretched patience. We are fast losing the tiny remaining perseverance and endurance in us.
The fear of terrorists is the ultimate. That’s the pathetic hopelessness confronting Kwara State. Shout it out. Our old men no longer dream dreams. Our young men see visions no more. Our sons and daughters prophesy not any longer.
It’s that deep in depth; that wide in breadth! We have sunk to the bottomless pit. Suddenly. When all possible and visible hopes were lost. And all known feasibilities and viabilities crashed. Just then. Disu sauntered into our terrorist-infested space.
He did that on Monday, March 9, 2026. He rightly singled Kwara out for attention. And picked it as his first port of call. Passionate and commendable. Great appreciation. We earnestly pray. You will sincerely walk your tough talk. Fear not. Your honest courage will see you through.
Immediately he landed in Ilorin that Monday. He hit the ground running. His was swift. He assembled security stakeholders and other state actors. They lurked themselves up. And went into serious session. Terrorism, banditry on his mind. And high on his card.
Done. Disu was intentionally careful. No long talk. No sermon. No epistle. He opted to be short on words. That’s wisdom. He prodded his security constituents: “I want to charge you for more operations.” They needed that nudge. Motivation!
He later told a larger audience. He came down to their level. He appropriately situated himself in their pitiable situation. He spoke to their plight: “These criminals cannot pursue us out of our hometown. We are the owners of the town.” His vow: “And we will not allow that to happen. We have to take back our homes and take back our communities.”
The IGP wasn’t done yet. He was boiling inside of him. He wanted us to be convinced. That he meant every word he pronounced. He sought our trust and confidence. He strived to be believed: “That is why I am here to tell you that all of us are going to take back our communities.”
The parley was both elaborate and inclusive: “I am happy that we have many Fulani people assisting us with our jobs. I say it with all authority, not all Fulani are bad. We have good Fulani who have been our neighbours for thousands of years.”
He’s right. We still have such “neighbours” in my community. They remain peace-loving till date. This report of the deliberation lent heavy credence to this: “Representatives of the group (Fulani) pledged continued support for security agencies, assuring the police hierarchy of their readiness to provide timely intelligence to expose criminal hideouts.
“They said peaceful Fulani residents remained committed to coexistence with host communities and would not allow criminal elements to tarnish their image. The group also called for stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies to dismantle criminal networks swiftly.”
Kwara State is desirous of lasting peace. We are yearning and longing. We are willing and eager. We want Disu to succeed and succeed well. We crave good success for him. For that is our own lifeline. It’s only way we can make a meaningful living. And live a peaceful life.
We are offering service unsolicited. It is one vital thing we can do to help ourselves.
Disu must know that the Eruku Church kidnapping of 38 worshippers. And the Woro massacre of nearly 200 souls were the most-deadly. But there were many others. Even from 2018. It wasn’t yesterday. Not today. It has been building up. Noticed but largely ignored by those who should act.
So? This timeline of terrorism in Kwara State comes handy for Disu at this critical juncture. Though ChatGPT-generated, you can’t entirely discard it. Don’t conceal it to the dirty dustbin of history. You never can tell. It may be your guide. All you need to know and do.
Read it. Sturdy it. Scrutinise it. Chew it. Meditate on it. And you will be glad you did: “A timeline of terrorism-related attacks and militant incidents in Kwara State from 2018 to 2026.
“Note that before 2024 the state experienced very few confirmed terrorist attacks, with insecurity mainly involving banditry, kidnappings, and farmer–herder violence rather than organised jihadist terrorism. The situation escalated significantly after 2024.”
Breakdown: Year 2018. “Mostly stable compared to northern states. Main incidents; sporadic kidnappings and armed robberies in rural areas. No widely documented jihadist terrorist attacks.”
Year 2019. “Security agencies reported criminal gangs and kidnappers operating near forest areas, especially in northern parts of the state near Niger State borders. Threat mainly linked to bandit groups moving through forest corridors.”
Year 2020. “Increased reports of bandit movement through Kainji forest areas connecting Niger, Kebbi and Kwara. No major mass-casualty terrorist attack recorded.”
Year 2021. “Rising concerns about armed groups using forests around Kainji Lake National Park as hideouts. Communities in Kaiama and Baruten LGAs began reporting kidnappings and raids.”
Year 2022. “Security agencies warned about spill-over of jihadist groups from the Sahel region into Nigeria’s North Central states. Kwara recorded isolated kidnappings and attacks on travellers, but still few confirmed extremist attacks.”
Year 2023. “Gradual increase in armed attacks and kidnappings along highways. Militants suspected of links to jihadist groups began appearing in forest regions bordering Niger State and Benin Republic.”
On November 18, 2025, it escalated, Terrorists became more daring and assertive. Thirty-eight worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Eruku, Ekiti LG, were kidnapped.
The zenith was reached this year. About 200 were massacred in Woro, Kaima LG. That was the bloody result of a 10-hour deadly operation in the community, unchallenged.
Disu, you don’t need to be told, buckle up. Don’t be deceived. This is a long-distance journey. It’s going to be tough, rough, harsh and hard. Take it, don’t leave it; the task is Herculean. The terrorists are in a serious business. With well-connected network, in and out of Nigeria.
They have the mindset of deadliest beasts. They are brutish and untamed. Watch out for landmines. Their organisational skills speak volumes. They’re out of this world. They have in the past outsmarted, outwitted our security architecture. They did it several times over.
They penetrated our security network with seamless ease. On many occasions, they caught our men ambushed, off-guard, pants down. Over the years, they successfully planted willing moles in our midst. And built strong, impenetrable walls around themselves.
That done. They could puncture and pierce through our security nexus. They made mess of the invulnerability of our safety measures. Many times over, they tore them into shreds. Disu should be on the lookout for these and even more.
Be on your guard. And be guided accordingly.
—————————————-
Share your story or advertise with us:
08033783144 (WhatsApp)
08023469999(WhatsApp)
idowuadelusi@gmail.com,thepathfindernews0@gmail.com
Follow our reports also on X @idowuadelusi and Facebook (Idowu Oluwole Adelusi)