Six vigilante members from Kwara State earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi highway in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have been released after thorough investigations by security authorities.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin by its Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi.
According to the statement, the six vigilantes, who were travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, were formally handed over to the police by the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume, for investigation and profiling.
“Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality,” the police said.
The command explained that the men were arrested last year along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, but were later cleared after investigations showed they were not involved in any criminal activity.
“Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the command’s commitment to effective collaboration among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all vigilante groups to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
He assured residents that the police command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
Hammed Shittu, Ilorin
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