No measure will be spared in fight against banditry,banditry — Kwara CP
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has vowed to deploy every available resource in the fight against banditry, armed attacks, and other threats to public safety, insisting that the state will not be allowed to descend into lawlessness.
Speaking during the finals of the 16th edition of the Kwara State Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) Commissioner of Police Cup, held in Ilorin over the weekend, Ojo reaffirmed the command’s total commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He promised to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to tackle insecurity through both enforcement and preventive strategies, stressing that collective efforts would be key to neutralising criminals before they strike.
“Security is everyone’s business. Our collaborative efforts will be intensified, particularly in intelligence gathering, to identify and neutralise criminals before they strike. The police command will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, and we shall pursue all available measures to safeguard the lives and property of our people,” Ojo stated.
The police chief noted that recent incidents of armed attacks and bandit activity in some parts of the state would be decisively dealt with, assuring residents of those communities that peace and order would soon be restored. He emphasised that the command would not waver in its constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order.
While presenting trophies to winners in the Under-13 boys, Under-17 boys, and Under-17 girls categories, Ojo spoke passionately about the role of sports as a tool for social stability and youth development. He stressed that constructive engagement in sporting activities could curb restiveness and steer young people away from crime by channelling their energy into positive and productive pursuits.
“Sports is not just about competition; it is about discipline, focus, and development. It keeps young people away from crime and helps build a society that values hard work and excellence,” he said.
The Commissioner called on government institutions, community leaders, and parents to actively promote youth participation in sports, arguing that it is essential for fostering discipline, preventing drug abuse, and nurturing talent with both national and international significance.
He reiterated the Kwara State Police Command’s determination to sustain partnerships across all sectors and to apply comprehensive measures—ranging from intelligence-led policing to youth-focused initiatives—to combat crime and criminality in the state.