Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, has led a joint security delegation to Omu-Aran in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of Kwara State, following unrest triggered by rising kidnappings for ransom.

He was accompanied by Kwara State Commissioner of Police CP Adekimi Ojo and Mr. Michael Oganwu, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara Command.

The visit came after a distress call from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over violent protests by youths in the area. The demonstrators had blocked sections of the Omu-Aran-Eleyin-Ajase road in Isin LGA, disrupting commuter movement and heightening tension.

The protest was sparked by growing frustration over the increasing rate of abductions targeting residents, with communities demanding stronger government action.

In response, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, in collaboration with police and DSS operatives, swiftly mobilised to the scene to restore order and engage with community leaders.

The high-level security presence reassured residents and opened channels for dialogue, as authorities pledged to intensify operations against criminal networks.

A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, indicates that the joint team dispersed the protesters, restored order, and cleared the road for the free flow of traffic.

Speaking after the operation, Brigadier General Barkins reassured residents of the Nigerian Army's commitment to their safety and cautioned against violent protests.

He urged youths to explore lawful and peaceful channels to express grievances, while reiterating the importance of cooperation with security agencies in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The Brigade Commander further appealed for closer collaboration between residents and security operatives, stressing that security is a collective responsibility that requires timely and credible information from communities to enable swift intervention.