The Kwara State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry in the state and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice, describing it as a criminal act punishable by law.

Speaking on radio flagship program ‘Oro Ilu’ on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, explained that although banditry cuts across many states of the country, security agencies in Kwara are intensifying operations to curb the menace.

According to her, a recent joint operation by the Police and the military around the Oke-Ode axis successfully neutralized armed bandits and destroyed their hideouts.

She, however, disclosed that the operation was not without casualties as some security personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

Adetoun commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for visiting affected communities and lauded the support of the state government in the aspect of security formation.

She also praised the contributions of local vigilantes, saying their grassroots intelligence has been instrumental in tracking criminals and exposing their hideouts.

On the issue of jungle justice, the Police spokesperson expressed deep concern over recent cases, including the lynching of a destitute woman at Ipata Market and another mentally challenged man wrongly accused of being kidnappers.

“I urge the people not to take laws into their hands. Jungle justice is not good, and it is condemnable. People should report cases to the nearest police division,” she stressed.

She also addressed concerns over public distrust of the Police, urging residents to maintain confidence in the force.

Speaking on stop-and-search operations, the PPRO clarified that no officer has the right to check citizens’ mobile phones on the road.

While distinguishing between jungle justice and lawful self-defense, Adetoun explained that individuals attacked in their homes by criminals have the right to defend themselves.

She urged residents to report suspicious activities through the Police control room numbers: 07032069501 and 08125275646.