Kwara North Residents Express Confidence as Peace Returns
By Kabir Abdulsalam
Residents of Kwara North Senatorial District are gradually regaining confidence as security improves across communities previously affected by terrorism and banditry, following intensified military operations and coordinated government interventions in the region, even as isolated incidents continue to raise concern in some areas.
Residents across Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, Baruten and Moro local government areas told PRNigeria that life is steadily returning to normal, with markets reopening, farming activities resuming and displaced families gradually making their way back home after months of disruption caused by armed groups operating from forest corridors and border areas.
The district had in recent months suffered repeated attacks attributed to criminal elements exploiting the Kainji National Park axis and dense forest belts linking Kwara with Niger and Kogi States. The incidents led to loss of lives, displacement of residents and suspension of farming and trading activities in several rural communities.
However, a visit by PRNigeria to affected communities revealed a significant shift in the security landscape, with increased military deployment, sustained patrols and renewed coordination among security agencies and local vigilance structures contributing to improved stability.
In Kaiama Local Government Area, residents described a noticeable return of confidence as commercial activities picked up and movement became easier along previously volatile routes.
Security personnel were observed conducting patrols along strategic roads, including the Alapa–Kaiama axis, while checkpoints manned by military and other operatives remained active in key locations.
A trader in Kaiama, Semirat Shuaibu, said the situation had improved compared to previous months when fear dominated daily life.
“People are now moving freely and normal activities have resumed. Even Woro, which was attacked before, is calm again,” she said.
She, however, noted that some residents remain cautious about returning to distant farmlands due to lingering fears of possible attacks.
In Woro community, local leadership confirmed that a large proportion of displaced residents had returned following improved security arrangements.
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, said more than 80 per cent of residents who fled during the attacks had since come back.
According to him, the initial assault on the community forced mass displacement, with residents seeking refuge in neighbouring towns such as New Bussa and Wawa.
“Immediately after the attack, the community was deserted. People ran for safety,” he said.
“But with the reinforcement of security, residents have gradually returned. Today, more than 80 per cent are back and economic activities are picking up again.”
He attributed the return of peace to the sustained presence of military personnel, police operatives and forest guards deployed to secure vulnerable settlements.
In Kaiama Local Government Area, the Chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, said coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities had strengthened security across the region.
He explained that the establishment of Forward Operating Bases in strategic locations had significantly improved response time to threats.
Read Also:
“We appreciate the Federal Government for the additional military deployment to this axis. Forward Operating Bases were established in Kemanji, Kaiama and Woro to improve security coverage,” he said.
Danladi added that hundreds of security personnel, including military operatives, forest guards and local vigilantes, had been deployed across the local government area to stabilise communities.
A similar improvement was observed in Edu Local Government Area, where residents celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festivities in relative peace amid visible security presence.
In Tsaragi, Lafiagi and surrounding communities, commercial activities were ongoing without major disruptions, while security personnel were deployed along major routes linking Share, Gbugbu and Patigi.
Although the Gbugbu International Market remains closed due to earlier security concerns, residents said economic activities in surrounding areas have continued to recover steadily.
A resident of Lafiagi, Sambo Mohammed, said the area had witnessed relative calm in recent months compared to the peak of the attacks.
“We have enjoyed relative peace since the incidents some months ago. People are back to their businesses and daily activities,” he said.
He, however, called for sustained security operations, warning that criminal groups could attempt to regroup if vigilance is relaxed.
“Security agencies must continue intelligence gathering because there are still concerns that some elements may try to return quietly,” he added.
In Patigi Local Government Area, PRNigeria observed a strong military presence along the Gbugbu–Patigi corridor, with armoured vehicles and patrol teams stationed at strategic points.
Residents said the deployment had restored confidence and encouraged displaced families to return to their communities.
A trader, Issa Ibrahim, said markets were fully operational again, adding that the area had not witnessed attacks for several months.
“Markets are open and people are going about their businesses without fear. We commend the military and other security agencies for their efforts,” he said.
However, he noted that some farmers whose farmlands are located deep within forest areas still remain hesitant to resume full agricultural activities.
Another resident, Dauda Abdullahi, confirmed that displaced persons from Mandzakwa community had returned following improved security conditions.
He said the presence of forest guards in border communities had also helped improve surveillance and early warning systems.
Across the district, community leaders and residents acknowledged the role of combined efforts by the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, the military, police, forest guards and local vigilante groups in restoring calm to previously troubled areas.
They noted that the deployment of additional troops, establishment of Forward Operating Bases and support for community-based security initiatives had contributed significantly to stabilising the region.
However, stakeholders cautioned that the progress made must be sustained through continuous patrols, improved intelligence gathering and sustained investment in security infrastructure to prevent a resurgence of violence.
While some isolated incidents continue to raise concern in certain locations, residents maintain that the overall security situation in Kwara North has improved considerably, allowing displaced persons to return and communities to gradually rebuild their livelihoods.
For many residents, the return of movement, trade and social life marks a cautious but important step toward long-term recovery after months of disruption and insecurity.
