Suspected terrorists have attacked the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran Road in Kwara State, kidnapping at least four travellers in an early-morning ambush and raising fresh concerns over the spread of insecurity across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The attack occurred on Monday along the strategic highway linking several communities in Kwara South to the state capital, Ilorin.
Local sources who confirmed the incident said the armed men blocked the road in the early hours, forcing vehicles to stop before abducting some passengers and fleeing into nearby bush paths.
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The attackers were said to have operated without resistance for some time, suggesting a lack of immediate security presence along the route.
“Bandits are still heavily present in the area and are actively targeting travellers heading towards Ilorin,” a source familiar with the incident said.
The Kwara highway abduction occurred on the same day suspected terrorists attacked a security outpost manned by the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team at New Kalli village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The assault on the police position further highlighted the escalating boldness of armed groups operating along the Kwara–Niger axis.
The latest incidents are unfolding against the backdrop of deadly attacks in Niger State over the weekend. Barely 48 hours earlier, terrorists reportedly killed more than 40 people in coordinated assaults on communities in Agwara and Borgu local government areas, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the state in recent months.
Security sources noted that the proximity of Kwara South to flashpoints in Niger State has heightened fears of a spillover of violence, particularly along major highways that serve as economic and social lifelines for residents.
As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the highway attack or outlining rescue efforts for the abducted travellers.
Meanwhile, residents and commuters continue to call for increased patrols and sustained security operations to secure key roads and border communities in the region.
