Bandits Attack Kwara Police Station, Emir’s Palace, Abduct 10 in Midnight Raid

Panic swept through Yashikira community in Kwara State after suspected bandits launched a deadly overnight attack on a police divisional headquarters and the palace of the Emir, abducting at least 10 people during the coordinated assault.

The attack, which happened around 2:00 am on Sunday, targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said the armed attackers invaded the area in the early hours of the morning, setting part of the Emir’s palace on fire before whisking away several residents.

Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on May 25, 2026, adding that officers on duty at the divisional headquarters resisted the attackers and successfully prevented them from overrunning the station.

The incident has further heightened fears over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State and surrounding North Central communities, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about increasing attacks linked to bandits and kidnappers.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and directed security operatives to immediately begin rescue efforts for the abducted victims.

According to the police, a joint security operation involving conventional security agencies, local vigilantes, and forest guards has already been launched to comb surrounding forests and possible hideouts used by the attackers.

“These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens, and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly,” the police commissioner said.

The latest attack adds to growing security concerns across several Nigerian states where communities continue to battle rising cases of kidnappings, armed raids, and attacks on public institutions despite ongoing security operations.

Residents in the affected community are now calling for stronger security presence and quicker intervention to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those abducted during the raid.