The Kwara State Government has officially intensified its crackdown on street begging following a major security breach involving a suspected bandit disguised as a beggar.

The enforcement exercise, led by the Ministry of Social Development, aims to prevent criminal elements from using social vulnerability as a “smoke-screen” for espionage and attacks

In a statement released on February 14, 2026, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, emphasized that the state would no longer tolerate begging due to these heightened security risks.

This crackdown comes at a sensitive time for the state. Just days ago, bandits attacked Oba-Isin, killing a forest guard and kidnapping his wife, for whom they have demanded a ₦100 million ransom. The arrest of the “beggar” confirms fears that criminal groups are actively infiltrating local communities through deceptive means. ​Note: Authorities have handed the suspect over to the Kwara State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) for further investigation into the wider network of informants.