The Kwara State Government has announced the arrest of a medical doctor who was allegedly involved in transporting medical supplies to kidnapping groups operating within the state. The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services following intelligence that linked the suspect to a network providing logistics support to criminal gangs.
Okay News reports that the suspect was intercepted in Jebba, which is located in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, during a coordinated security operation. Authorities described the arrest as a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to weaken the supply channels that have helped sustain violent groups across the North-Central region.
In a statement released on its official communication platform, the Kwara State Government said, “The Department of State Service has taken into custody a medical doctor who was ferrying drugs from Sokoto to kidnappers in parts of Kwara State. The doctor was intercepted in the Jebba area following intelligence reports about the activities of the kidnappers and their couriers.”
The statement further noted that security agencies had observed increasing attempts by armed groups to obtain medical attention, especially for injuries sustained during confrontations with government forces. It read, “The secret service says the criminal gangs appear desperate for medical care following gunshot wounds sustained in encounters with security forces.”
Security insiders disclosed that the arrest represents one phase of a broader strategy to disrupt the logistics networks enabling violence in Kwara State and neighbouring areas. These logistics networks, they explained, include channels that relay medical supplies, food items, and communication support to gang members hiding in remote forested zones.
Officials said kidnapping groups have recently intensified their search for medical treatment, especially for gunshot injuries sustained during security raids. As a result, security agencies have increased surveillance on the movement of medical materials across interstate routes connecting Sokoto, Niger, and Kwara States.
Kwara, which was historically regarded as one of the more stable parts of North-Central Nigeria, has experienced rising insecurity in recent months. The situation has been particularly tense in communities such as Baruten, Kaiama, Ekiti, and parts of Moro Local Government Area. Border communities remain highly vulnerable because of the vast forests that serve as operational bases for various criminal cells.
