The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, alongside the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, Mr. Michael Oganwu, conducted a high-level security visit to Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State on Saturday, 13 September 2025.

The visit came in response to a distress call from the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, following violent protests by youths over the alarming rise in kidnapping for ransom in the affected communities.

During the unrest, angry youths blocked key portions of the Omu-Aran–Eleyin–Ajase road in Isin LGA, disrupting traffic flow and heightening tension in the area. In a swift and coordinated response, troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and DSS, moved in to disperse the protesters, restore normalcy, and clear the road for free movement. Some of the protest ringleaders were apprehended and handed over to the Kwara State Police Command for investigation.

Addressing the media and community members after the operation, Brigadier General Barkins reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to their safety. He warned against the use of violence to express grievances and encouraged youths to engage security agencies through lawful and peaceful means.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We urge residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by providing timely and credible information that can aid our efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes.”

Following the operation, the security delegation met with the Chairman of Isin Local Government Area, Honourable Jolayemi Benjamin, along with traditional rulers and other local stakeholders. The meeting emphasized the need for community leaders to guide the youth towards peaceful conduct and strengthen collaboration with security agencies.

Hon. Benjamin commended the rapid response of the joint security team and pledged the continued support of the local government in efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the area.

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