ILORIN — A former police spokesperson has raised concerns over the capacity of security operations in Kwara State, warning that the state lacks adequate facilities and equipment needed to effectively combat rising insecurity challenges.
The former spokesperson, who previously served within the Nigeria Police Force structure, disclosed that security agencies operating in Kwara State are significantly under-equipped, citing limited operational vehicles, poor logistics support, and a shortage of critical combat equipment such as Armoured Personnel Carriers.
According to the security expert, the state’s entire tactical response capacity reportedly includes only a single Armoured Personnel Carrier, a situation he described as insufficient for responding to armed threats, banditry, and other violent crimes affecting rural and forest communities.
The concerns come amid broader national debates about security preparedness across Nigeria, where several states have faced escalating attacks from armed groups, kidnappers, and criminal networks operating across inter-state boundaries. Analysts say inadequate equipment and manpower remain major obstacles to effective policing and rapid response.
The ex-spokesperson explained that security agencies in the state are often forced to rely on outdated vehicles and limited intelligence resources, which he argued reduces their ability to respond quickly to distress calls, especially in remote areas where criminal activities are increasingly reported.
He further noted that the lack of modern surveillance tools and mobility assets places additional pressure on personnel, who are already stretched thin across multiple local government areas. This, he said, affects morale and operational efficiency.
The warning has renewed calls for urgent investment in security infrastructure, particularly at the state level, where governors are often expected to complement federal security efforts. Experts argue that without proper equipment and coordination, security personnel remain at a disadvantage against increasingly mobile and well-armed criminal groups.
Security analysts also point out that states in Nigeria’s North-Central region, including Kwara, have witnessed sporadic incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and highway attacks in recent years. They stress that addressing these threats requires both federal intervention and improved state-level preparedness.
Civil society observers have urged the government to prioritize funding for security logistics, training, and intelligence gathering, while also improving collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies. They argue that local intelligence remains one of the most effective tools in preventing attacks before they occur.
The revelations have sparked concern among residents, many of whom say they are increasingly worried about safety in rural communities and highways connecting Kwara to neighbouring states. Some have called for urgent reforms to strengthen the security architecture and restore public confidence.
While government officials have yet to respond in detail to the claims, security experts maintain that the situation highlights a broader national challenge: the gap between rising security threats and the resources available to confront them.
