A four-man armed robbery gang on Friday unleashed terror in Ilorin, Kwara State, shooting a motorist and making away with an undisclosed sum of cash believed to be packed in several cartons.
The robbery, which occurred directly opposite the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel office, caused panic as the masked assailants fired multiple shots before fleeing in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate.
Eyewitnesses said the robbers appeared to have trailed their victim, driving a grey Toyota Sienna marked AA 693 GT, before opening fire.
“They must have followed him. They shot at his vehicle from behind and deflated his two left tyres before taking the money packed in four big cartons,” a witness said.
The victim, reportedly transporting cash for an undisclosed assignment, sustained a gunshot wound on his palm during the attack.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the robbery occurred at about 11:30am.
“An armed robbery incident occurred around 11:30 hours today, 12th December 2025, along the Post Office road, Ilorin, where a driver of a Sienna vehicle was attacked by armed men, leaving the driver with a gunshot injury on his palm and an undisclosed amount of money carted away. He is currently receiving medical treatment,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
She added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a discreet investigation and strengthened security across Ilorin.
“The CP has further strengthened security across the Ilorin metropolis with increased police visibility patrols to reassure residents,” the statement read.
Adekimi also warned residents against moving large sums of cash.
“Residents should avoid carrying large sums of cash. Use online transactions whenever possible.
“If physical cash movement is necessary, use trusted bank escort services,” he advised.
The police urged residents to immediately report suspicious movements, especially around financial institutions, markets, or busy commercial locations.
“Report suspicious movements or persons around banks or financial locations immediately,” the command added.
Kwara witnessed a high-profile armed robbery in 2018 during the Offa bank robbery, when gunmen attacked several banks and killed about 30 people, including police officers and civilians, marking one of Nigeria’s deadliest bank heists.
