Security sources have blamed institutional rivalry between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian military for the viral video showing suspected bandits that has sparked tension and public anxiety.
According to the sources, poor coordination between the two security bodies led to the arrest of some youths who were hastily branded as bandits. They claimed the situation escalated due to what they described as petty inter-agency rivalry, which allegedly pushed officers involved to rush the matter to the media instead of conducting a quiet and thorough internal investigation.
The controversy followed the circulation of a video showing soldiers interrogating a group of men alleged to be bandits, who were seen lying face down with their hands tied. The suspects were reportedly intercepted while moving in a local security vehicle bearing the inscription of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, with claims that AK-47 rifles were recovered from them.
However, the sources insisted the individuals were not bandits but locals recruited to provide grassroots intelligence to ONSA. They further stated that the arrests did not occur in Kwara State, but in Auchi, Edo State, contradicting widespread assumptions triggered by the video.
Drawing lessons from global security failures, the sources referenced the intelligence breakdown in the United States before the September 11 attacks, noting that rivalry and lack of cooperation among agencies can undermine national security. They warned that similar patterns appear to be emerging in Nigeria, particularly in the relationship between ONSA and the military.
In the viral footage, the suspects allegedly mentioned names of individuals who supplied them with weapons from Abuja. The sources claimed the names referenced belong to senior ONSA officials, reinforcing the argument that the men were vigilantes operating under official coordination, not criminal elements.
The incident, they said, raises serious concerns about inter-agency communication, intelligence sharing and the impact of publicising unverified security operations. They questioned why the Army did not first engage ONSA to verify the claims before the video was leaked, and what purpose the public exposure served.
The delay in clearly stating whether the arrested individuals were bandits or vigilantes has, according to the sources, already damaged the image of Kwara State and heightened public fear.
Reacting separately, the Kwara State Government denied reports that bandits were arrested in Ifelodun Local Government Area. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government described such claims as misinformation.
The state clarified that investigations were ongoing but stressed that the suspects were not arrested in Kwara State and that no security agency had reported any such operation within the state. It also emphasised that no state government has the authority to arm individuals with AK-47 rifles.
According to the statement, the Ifelodun Local Government had only provided a security vehicle to vigilantes supporting local security efforts, adding that the vigilantes have since left the area.
The episode has renewed calls for stronger cooperation and clear communication among Nigeria’s security agencies to avoid confusion, reputational damage and threats to public confidence.
