The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed an attack on the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state, by suspected bandits.
The incident took place on May 25, 2026, at about 2:00 am when armed men launched a coordinated attack on the community, police said.
The command said the attackers set part of the Emir’s palace on fire and abducted 10 persons during the operation. In a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
However, the police said the attack on the Yashikira Divisional Headquarters was successfully repelled by operatives on duty at the station.
The statement said the prompt response of the officers prevented the bandits from overrunning the police facility.
The attackers caused damage at the Emir’s palace, but the command said security operatives were able to resist the assault on the police division.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the area at nightfall and set ablaze a part of the traditional ruler’s palace.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly abducted and took away 10 people.
The police didn’t immediately release the names of the kidnapped victims but said efforts were already underway to safely free them.
The incident has heightened tension in Yashikira and surrounding communities, with residents calling for increased security deployment in the area.
In reaction to the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered a full scale security operation to rescue the abducted victims and trail the perpetrators.
The command said the operation includes security agencies, forest guards and local vigilantes.
The police said the joint security team had been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and suspected escape routes used by the bandits.
Reacting to the incident, Adekimi promised that the command would not allow criminal groups to threaten the peace of the state.
“They are enemies of peaceful communities,” he said, assuring residents that the police would pursue the attackers until they were arrested.
“These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly,” the CP said.
The command appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant, and said useful information from members of the public would help security agencies to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
