The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Kwara State communities not to surrender to bandits.

He vowed that security agencies would reclaim communities in the state from bandits, declaring that criminal elements cannot drive residents away from their ancestral homes.

The police chief made the declaration on Monday during a visit to the state, where he met with security officials and community leaders to review the security situation and ongoing operations against banditry.

Speaking at the police command to residents and stakeholders, the IGP said his visit was aimed at discussing security challenges in the state and strengthening cooperation between the police and the public.

"I want you to know why I am here. I am here to discuss all the issues related to the problem of security in Kwara State," he said.

Disu noted that he was already familiar with the security situation in the state, having previously led police personnel involved in operations to flush bandits from forests in parts of Kwara.

Declaring that communities must not surrender to bandits, the IGP said residents and security agencies must work together to reclaim affected areas.