Exclusive: Bandits Overrun Army Post, Seize Six Machine Guns and 30,000 Rounds in Kwara
Abuja / Ilorin — Armed bandits reportedly attacked and overran a Nigerian Army position in Kwara State, making off with six machine guns and an estimated 30,000 rounds of ammunition, sources told reporters. The incident has intensified concerns about the security situation in parts of north-central Nigeria and raised questions about the response capacity of the country’s military and air assets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What reportedly happened
According to the primary account, a group of heavily armed assailants launched a coordinated assault on the military post in the early hours, quickly overwhelming the stationed soldiers. The attackers are said to have taken control of weapons and ammunition stored at the site before withdrawing into surrounding bushland. Local security sources described the haul as including six belt-fed machine guns and about 30,000 rounds of assorted small-arms ammunition. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Allegations about air support
Sources further alleged that efforts to obtain immediate air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were unsuccessful. The report claims that NAF declined or was unable to provide timely aerial assistance during the attack, a development that — if confirmed — would represent a serious breakdown in coordinated support for ground forces operating against criminal groups. The Air Force has not released an official statement about the specific claim at the time of reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Military and government response
As of publication, there has been no comprehensive public comment from the Army’s high command detailing the event, the number of casualties (if any), or the current location of the seized equipment. Local authorities have reportedly increased patrols and begun intelligence-led operations to recover the stolen arms and track down the perpetrators. Independent verification and official briefings are awaited to confirm the full scope of the attack. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Context: rising violence in Kwara and neighbouring states
Attacks by armed groups and bandits have been reported across north-central and north-western Nigeria in recent months, including deadly ambushes and incidents in parts of Kwara State. Security analysts say the proliferation of illicit arms and the targeting of security installations risk empowering criminal networks and complicating efforts to restore public safety. Recent reporting has also highlighted separate violent incidents in the region, underscoring the volatile security environment. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Humanitarian and public concerns
Local residents have expressed alarm over the attack and the apparent ease with which the assailants seized military hardware. Civil society groups are calling for transparent investigations and rapid action by security agencies to prevent further escalation. Observers warn that stolen military weapons in the hands of non-state actors could fuel further kidnappings, attacks on communities, and inter-communal clashes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What to watch next
- Official confirmation and details from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force regarding the incident and claims about air support. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Follow-up operations by security forces to recover the seized weapons and detain those responsible. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Statements from the Kwara State government and local security agencies on measures to protect vulnerable communities. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Sources: This article is based on an exclusive report by SaharaReporters and corroborating regional security reporting. Readers will be updated as official statements and more information become available. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}