Calm has returned to the town of Lafiagi in Kwara State, Nigeria, after a high-level security delegation intervened following violent protests against recent anti-narcotics operations.
The delegation, led by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muideen Aliyu, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, and Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, met with local government officials including Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Bello and Development Officer Alhaji Haruna Likpata.
According to Aliyu, the unrest was sparked by arrests of alleged drug dealers. “The protest exploited tensions over earlier security operations. Protesters attacked the NDLEA office, set fire to vehicles and motorcycles, freed three suspects, and seized confiscated drugs,” he explained. “They even tried to attack the Emir’s Palace, claiming he failed to stop the arrests.”
Describing the incident as “sheer criminality,” Aliyu reported that security forces quickly contained the situation. “Soldiers and police have restored peace, and we’ve engaged with local leaders to call for calm and discourage vigilantism,” he said.
Aliyu also stressed that no lives were lost in the disturbance and praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s swift intervention. Additional security reinforcements have now been stationed in the area to prevent further unrest.
Local leaders expressed gratitude to the governor for the rapid response, while officials urged residents to uphold law and order and avoid taking matters into their own hands.
