Kwara Residents Allege Security Personnel Directed Families to Terrorists for Ransom Payments

Residents of Woru and neighbouring communities in Kwara State have alleged that some police and military personnel directed families of kidnapped victims to locations where terrorists demanded ransom payments. The allegations were made by residents of communities in Ilorin East Local Government Area, who described a deteriorating security situation marked by repeated kidnappings, attacks on motorists and farmers, and growing fear among residents. According to the residents, some security personnel allegedly failed to intervene during attacks and, in certain ransom cases, directed victims’ relatives to locations identified by the abductors for the delivery of money and other items. One resident alleged that families sometimes contacted security personnel after terrorists demanded ransom and told them they did not know where to deliver the payment. The resident claimed that, rather than providing protection or organising a rescue operation, some security personnel allegedly directed the families towards locations where the abductors were operating. Another resident alleged that military personnel had, on several occasions, directed families carrying ransom payments to locations where terrorists were reportedly waiting to collect them. The allegations have not been independently verified, and there is no confirmation from the security agencies that personnel participated in or facilitated ransom payments. Kidnapping and Ransom Crisis The allegations come against the backdrop of continuing insecurity in parts of Kwara State. Residents told Sahara Reporters that terrorists have intensified attacks on rural communities, farmers and motorists, with some roads linking the affected communities to Ilorin becoming increasingly dangerous. In one reported case, the family of the traditional chief of Woru allegedly paid ₦5 million and supplied a Bajaj motorcycle, two smartphones and 20 bottles of alcohol in exchange for the release of the chief’s kidnapped son. According to the residents, the victim was allegedly not released after the family met the initial demands. The terrorists reportedly contacted the family again several days later and demanded an additional ₦5 million. Residents said the victim, who was abducted in August, remained in captivity as of Thursday, while at least six other people were reportedly being held after separate abductions in Woru and neighbouring communities. Growing Fear Among Farmers and Motorists Residents also described the impact of the insecurity on daily life and economic activities. Farmers are reportedly increasingly reluctant to travel to their farms because of fears of kidnapping and attacks, raising concerns about agricultural production and household incomes. Motorists travelling along roads connecting rural communities to Ilorin are also said to face heightened risks, with residents alleging that armed men have carried out attacks and abductions along some routes. The situation has reportedly weakened residents’ confidence in their ability to obtain immediate assistance when attacks occur. Some residents said families are increasingly left to negotiate directly with abductors when relatives are kidnapped, placing enormous financial and emotional pressure on victims’ families. Calls for Investigation The residents have called on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security around the affected communities and investigate the allegations concerning ransom deliveries. They argued that families attempting to secure the release of kidnapped relatives could face additional danger if they are required to travel to remote locations specified by armed groups. The residents also expressed concern that paying ransom does not necessarily guarantee the safe release of abducted persons, citing the reported case in which a family allegedly complied with an initial ₦5 million demand and supplied additional items but was subsequently confronted with another ransom demand. Security Agencies Yet to Respond The allegations against security personnel remain unproven. Sahara Reporters reported that it contacted the Kwara State Police Command and the Nigerian Army for their responses. The publication said the Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, and the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, had not responded to calls and text messages seeking comments at the time the report was published. The allegations are particularly sensitive given Kwara’s recent history of serious terrorist violence. Woro was among the communities hit by a major terrorist attack in February 2026, demonstrating the broader security challenges facing parts of the state. For now, the claims that security personnel directed families to terrorists’ locations should be treated as allegations pending independent investigation and official confirmation. Source: https://saharareporters.com/