THE Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a medical doctor accused of treating wounded kidnappers and supplying medical drugs to armed gangs operating inside forests in parts of Kwara State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the doctor, whose identity was still being withheld by security agencies as of press time, was intercepted in the Jebba axis following weeks of intelligence tracking.
According to security sources, the arrest followed credible reports indicating that couriers had been moving medical supplies from Sokoto to Kwara, where bandits recovering from gunshot injuries were being treated in remote forest hideouts.
Sources familiar with the operation said the breakthrough came after surveillance teams traced unusual patterns of drug movement and communication between criminal groups and their support networks.
“Many of these gangs sustained injuries during recent clashes with security forces, and they have been relying on covert medical personnel to treat them in the bush,” a security official told this newspaper.
“We are advising improved security measures in health facilities located around heavily forested communities, as these criminals may begin targeting such centres for medical supplies.”
The arrest marks the latest in a series of counter-banditry measures taken by security agencies amid rising concerns over the activities of violent kidnapping syndicates in the North-Central region.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State, Rafiu Ajakaye, described the arrest as a significant victory in the ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling the support systems that enable bandits to operate.
“This is a major stride by the DSS,” Ajakaye said. “It reinforces the fact that security agencies are closing in on these criminals and disrupting the networks that help sustain their activities. The state government will continue to support all lawful efforts to keep Kwara safe.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with security operatives by reporting suspicious movements or activities.
The suspect is currently in DSS custody, where investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of his involvement and identify possible collaborators.
