The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed 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.
According to police, the attack occurred around 2:00 am on May 25, 2026, when armed men staged a coordinated assault on the community.
In a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the attackers set part of the Emir’s palace on fire and abducted 10 persons during the operation.
However, the police said operatives on duty at the Yashikira Divisional Headquarters successfully repelled the attack on the station.
The statement said the prompt response of the officers averted the bandits from overrunning the police facility.
The attackers damaged the Emir’s palace, but the command said its security men were able to repel the attack on the police division.
The gunmen reportedly attacked the area at nightfall and set part of the traditional ruler’s palace ablaze.
Ten people were reportedly abducted and taken away by the assailants during the attack.
The police did not immediately release the names of the kidnapped victims but said efforts were already underway to free them safely.
The incident has increased tension in Yashikira and surrounding communities, with residents demanding stronger security deployment in the area.
Reacting 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 track down the perpetrators.
The command said the operation involves 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.
He said the attackers were enemies of peaceful communities and assured residents that the police would pursue them until they were arrested.
“We are fully prepared to hunt these criminals down relentlessly. These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens,” the CP said.
The command appealed to the residents to remain calm but vigilant, adding that useful information from members of the public would assist the security agencies to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
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