Mysterious Helicopter Landings in Kwara Forest Spark Fears Amid Rising Insecurity

Residents of Patigi and parts of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State have raised alarm over repeated sightings of helicopters allegedly landing deep within the Patigi forest. The unexplained aerial activity has stirred growing concern among locals, who fear the landings may be linked to the rising wave of kidnappings and armed violence plaguing the region.

Sources within the community suggest that the helicopters, often seen at odd hours, may be delivering supplies ranging from arms and food to logistical support, to criminal groups exploiting the dense forest cover. These suspicions come amid escalating insecurity in Kwara North, where locals report frequent attacks, kidnappings, and displacement by heavily armed assailants.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, a civic group known as Kwara Alternative recently called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state. In a statement issued earlier in July, the group emphasized the urgent need to establish rapid response security bases in key areas including Oke-Ode, Lata Nna, and Gbugbu. They also advocated for the deployment of air surveillance, drone monitoring, and actionable intelligence to counter the surge in violence.

“The deepening crisis of insecurity in Kwara State has reached a dangerous crescendo,” the group stated, warning that parts of Ifelodun and Kwara North have been overwhelmed by coordinated and violent attacks. According to them, local security efforts, including vigilante operations, have proven ineffective against the superior weaponry and tactics of the assailants, who reportedly operate with “military precision.”

The arrival of helicopters — unannounced and unexplained — has only heightened community anxiety, particularly as reports circulate of a terrorist cell, known as the Mahmuda group, being behind a spate of kidnappings and killings in the region.

A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly from Edu Local Government confirmed that the issue has become a matter of serious concern among local leaders. “This is not just hearsay. It has been discussed at the highest levels within our communities,” he said.

However, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, dismissed the public concerns, stating that the helicopter flights were part of authorized government surveillance missions aimed at enhancing regional security.

Despite the official reassurance, skepticism persists. Many residents argue that the absence of clear communication from security agencies has only deepened mistrust and fear. Community leaders are now urging greater transparency from authorities and a strengthened presence of conventional security forces to reassure the population and prevent further unrest.

As the region grapples with the twin crises of insecurity and uncertainty, calls for swift, coordinated action continue to grow louder from both grassroots activists and local leadership.