Following a distress call by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over violent protests by youths against the rising spate of kidnappings for ransom, the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, on Saturday, 13 September 2025, led a joint security delegation to Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
The team included the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, Mr. Michael Oganwu. Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, disclosed this in a statement.
According to the statement, the aggrieved youths had blocked sections of the Omu-Aran–Eleyin–Ajase Road in Isin LGA, disrupting the movement of commuters and escalating tension in the area.
Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, working in close coordination with the Police and DSS, swiftly mobilized to the scene. The joint team dispersed the protesters, restored calm, and cleared the road to ensure the free flow of traffic. Some identified ringleaders were arrested and handed over to the Kwara State Police Command for investigation and further ac8⁸⁸tion.
Speaking after the operation, Brigadier General Barkins reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to their safety and urged the youths to refrain from violent protests. He encouraged them to channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means and emphasized the importance of community cooperation with security agencies to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities effectively.
The Brigade Commander also appealed for stronger collaboration between residents and security operatives, stressing that security is a shared responsibility. He called on community members to provide timely and credible information to enable rapid response to threats.
Later, the security heads held a meeting with the Chairman of Isin Local Government Area, Honourable Jolayemi Benjamin, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. During the meeting, stakeholders were urged to sensitize youths on the dangers of violence and to foster closer ties with security agencies.
Hon. Benjamin commended the swift intervention of the joint security team and pledged the continued support of the LGA towards ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.
