Miyetti Allah Leaders Arrested for Kidnapping and Sponsorship of Bandits in Kwara

Security forces have apprehended the President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Kwara State, Idris Abubakar, in a move to tackle the rising wave of insecurity in North-Central Nigeria.

Abubakar, along with several other high-ranking members of the association, was taken into custody following allegations of deep-seated involvement in kidnapping syndicates and the active sponsorship of armed banditry across the state.

However, preliminary investigations suggest a disturbing level of collaboration between the local leadership and criminal elements.

According to intelligence reports, the Miyetti Allah leader reportedly admitted to facilitating various kidnapping operations.

These crimes are believed to have been carried out by Fulani bandits who have long terrorized rural communities and commuters in the region.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through the state, particularly given the social standing of those involved. A senior security source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed dismay over the age and perceived roles of the suspects.

“These are men over 60 years old, individuals who should be voices of peace, now accused of fueling terror and violence,” the source noted.

Moreover, the official further emphasized that the legal action targets specific individuals who have betrayed their positions of influence.

“This case exposes a deep moral failure by specific leaders, not a community, and it demands full accountability under the law.”

This crackdown follows months of increased criminal activity in Kwara, including the abduction of residents and travelers for heavy ransoms.

For many locals, the arrest of such prominent figures offers a glimmer of hope that the root causes of the violence are finally being addressed.

The suspects are currently being held at a secure facility as detectives widen their net to identify other financiers and collaborators within the network.

Meanwhile, authorities have assured the public that the prosecution will be thorough to serve as a deterrent to others using legitimate organizations as covers for criminality.