Kwara State Government Launches Crackdown on Street Begging Following Arrest of Suspected Bandit Posing as Beggar

 The Kwara State Government has ramped up its efforts to stamp out street begging across the state, a move sparked by the recent arrest of a suspected bandit who was reportedly disguising himself as a beggar in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The incident, which came to light earlier this month, has raised fresh alarms about how criminal elements might be exploiting the practice of begging to blend in, gather intelligence, or carry out other illicit activities without drawing attention from security operatives or community members.

Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, the Commissioner for Social Development, announced the intensified enforcement during a monitoring exercise in Ilorin on Friday, February 13, 2026. Speaking to officers involved in the operation, she described the arrest as a wake-up call that could no longer be ignored.

"This incident represents a serious security concern," the commissioner stated. "It clearly shows how street begging can be taken advantage of by criminals to carry out unlawful acts and put public safety at risk."

The suspected bandit was apprehended on Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026, following credible intelligence tips provided to local security outfits. Elder Oyin Zubair, who serves as the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, confirmed the arrest and pointed out that this was not an isolated case. He explained that bandits and their informants have increasingly turned to posing as beggars to move freely through towns and villages, evading detection while scouting potential targets or relaying information.

In some instances, security sources noted that once these disguised informants were identified and tracked, associated bandits quickly fled areas such as Baba Sango to avoid capture.

The state government's response has involved deploying teams from the Ministry of Social Development to remove beggars from public spaces, particularly in the capital, Ilorin. Reports indicate that dozens of individuals have already been evacuated from the streets as part of this renewed push. Those apprehended face prosecution, while the government stresses that its actions are not meant to target vulnerable people indiscriminately.

Hajia Mariam emphasized a balanced approach. "Kwara remains fully committed to supporting vulnerable individuals through rehabilitation programs, empowerment initiatives, and other forms of assistance," she said. "However, we will not allow street begging to serve as a cover for criminal activities."

The crackdown extends beyond Ilorin to other parts of the state, with officials urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Authorities have encouraged the public to channel genuine charitable support through approved and transparent mechanisms rather than giving directly to people on the streets.

This development comes amid broader security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping have affected several regions. In Kwara, recent events—including the safe release of four kidnapping victims earlier in February—have kept communities on edge. The arrest in Igbaja has added another layer of concern, prompting officials to view street begging through a heightened security lens.

Local leaders and security coordinators like Elder Oyin Zubair have described the trend as disturbing, noting how such disguises allow potential threats to operate under the radar. By blending into everyday scenes where begging is common, individuals can observe movements, assess vulnerabilities, or even prepare for attacks without arousing suspicion.

The government's stance reflects a growing recognition that what appears as a social issue can sometimes intersect with serious criminal threats. Enforcement teams are now actively patrolling key areas, removing beggars, and ensuring compliance with existing regulations against street begging.

While the immediate focus is on enforcement and deterrence, officials have reiterated their dedication to addressing the root causes of vulnerability that lead people to beg. Programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill-building are expected to continue alongside these security-driven measures.

Residents in Ilorin and surrounding areas have begun noticing the increased presence of ministry officials and security personnel. Some have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step toward safer public spaces, though others express concern for those who rely on alms due to genuine hardship.

As the operation unfolds, the Kwara State Government is calling on communities to cooperate fully. By reporting suspicious activities and supporting structured aid channels, citizens can play a role in preventing criminal exploitation while helping protect the most vulnerable among them.