Kwara State Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Oro-Ago Amid Anti-Banditry Operations

Kwara State authorities have imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Oro-Ago district of Ifelodun Local Government Area to support intensified military operations against suspected bandits hiding in nearby forests. The curfew, which bans all movement, is aimed at giving security forces unrestricted access to the area, as officials urge residents to cooperate while efforts continue to restore normalcy amid rising security threats in the region.

Authorities in Nigeria’s Kwara State on Wednesday announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on the Oro-Ago district of Ifelodun Local Government Area following intensified military operations aimed at flushing out suspected bandits believed to be hiding in surrounding forest areas. The move comes amid heightened security concerns and ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
The curfew took effect at 6:00 a.m., according to an official statement released by the chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Council, Femi Yusuf. The statement, which was signed by his press secretary, Abdulquadri Jimba, explained that the restriction was introduced as part of a broader security response to recent developments in the area.
According to the statement, the curfew is intended to support ongoing clearance operations being carried out by security forces within and around Oro-Ago. By restricting movement, authorities aim to deny suspected terrorists and criminal elements the ability to escape or regroup, while also giving security personnel unrestricted access to conduct searches and other operational activities.
Throughout the duration of the curfew, all human and vehicular movement within the Oro-Ago district is strictly prohibited. Residents have been warned to remain indoors and comply fully with the directive to avoid obstructing security operations or exposing themselves to potential danger during the exercise.
Femi Yusuf appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that the curfew is a temporary but necessary measure designed to safeguard lives and property. He noted that the local government is working in close collaboration with security forces to ensure that peace and normalcy are restored as quickly as possible.
The council chairman further assured residents that the local government would continue to provide updates as the situation develops, including any changes or adjustments to the curfew based on security assessments and operational progress on the ground.
Kwara State, particularly communities located near forest belts, has in recent months faced growing security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping, and the movement of armed groups. Many of these groups are believed to be fleeing sustained military pressure in neighbouring states across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions, seeking refuge in forested areas with difficult terrain.
Security agencies have increasingly identified forests around Ifelodun Local Government Area as hideouts for criminal elements who exploit the terrain to evade arrest, plan attacks, and threaten nearby communities, prompting authorities to step up military and security operations in the area.