By Umar Abubakar
The Kwara State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin and recovered two AK-47 rifles in a major operation targeting criminal activities in parts of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough was recorded through the efforts of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The statement revealed that operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a group of suspicious persons during a routine raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026.
According to the statement, Police investigations led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be responsible for a series of abductions and other violent crimes across parts of Kwara North, particularly in Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu and neighbouring communities.
The Command further disclosed that intelligence-driven investigations resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, believed to have been used by the gang in carrying out its criminal activities.
It described the recovery of the firearms as a significant disruption of the syndicate’s operations and a major step towards enhancing security and public safety in the affected areas.
The statement added that the suspects are currently in police custody and are providing investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.
Efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and ensure that all those connected to the crimes are brought to justice, the Command said.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, was quoted as commending the professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency of officers and men of the VCRU, as well as other supporting formations whose collaborative efforts contributed to the success of the operation.
The Command also reassured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations in the state, with all available resources being deployed to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
According to the statement, the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Edited by Yemisi Hambali
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