Crime
PHOTOS: Kwara Govt begins crackdown on street begging after arrest of suspected bandit disguised as beggar
The Kwara State Government has intensified its crackdown on street begging following the arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised himself as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed the development while addressing officers during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in the Ilorin metropolis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 14, 2026, by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Rasheedat Shodunke, the commissioner described the incident as a serious security breach capable of undermining public safety.
“The Kwara State Government has launched a full-scale enforcement operation against street begging across the state, following growing security concerns triggered by the recent arrest of a suspected bandit who allegedly disguised himself as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area,” the statement read.
According to the Commissioner, the Igbaja incident has exposed how street begging can be exploited by criminal elements to infiltrate communities, gather intelligence, and threaten public safety.
“This is no longer just a social issue; it is now a serious security concern. We cannot allow criminals to hide under the guise of begging to endanger our people,” she said.
Hajia Imam stressed that while the state government remains committed to supporting vulnerable persons through rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes, it will not tolerate the use of street begging as a cover for illegal activities.
She warned parents, guardians, and sponsors against sending children and dependants to beg on the streets, describing the practice as dangerous and exploitative.
“Children and vulnerable people are being exposed to abuse, trafficking, and criminal networks. This is unacceptable in a responsible society,” she added.
The Commissioner urged residents of Kwara State to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to security agencies and relevant government authorities.
She also advised the public to stop giving alms on the streets and instead channel their support through government-approved social intervention programmes and credible humanitarian organisations that can properly care for the needy.
FOLLOW US ON:
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Chari Kura from Gajiram in Nganzai LGA, was apprehended at about 6:20 p.m. on April 20, 2026 at Charlie 19 location in Monguno town.
The arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect was en route to deliver logistics supplies to terrorists at Bindur village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect include 180 mosquito coils, 12 packs of Jolly Jus, one Itel mobile phone and the sum of N500.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Sector 3 for further interrogation and necessary action.
Military authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and deny insurgents access to logistics support within the theatre of operations.
FOLLOW US ON:
Oyebanji re-election in Ekiti will validate Tinubu’s influence — APC chieftain
NNPC April crude supplies to Dangote cross 1bn barrels
El-Rufai may miss ADC presidential primary, see why
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
2027: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection amid rumoured Jonathan comeback
-
News23 hours agoICPC disowns viral ₦50bn bribe video, warns of legal action
-
Lifestyle23 hours ago
Over 4,600 Nigerian doctors relocate to UK in three years – Report
-
Videos1 hour ago
VIDEO – TRAGEDY ON BENIN-ORE ROAD AGAIN!🚨
-
Business24 hours ago
Electricity reforms: Rivers, Kano, 19 others delay takeover
-
Politics24 hours ago
Nigerians, not INEC, will determine ADC’s fate — Party’s founding chairman, Ralph Nwosu
-
Education23 hours ago
JAMB releases Monday’s UTME results
-
Crime9 hours ago
FG files 13-count treason charge against alleged coup plotters
-
Politics23 hours ago
I did my best as President, Jonathan counters Atiku
