By Abubakar Umar
Kwara State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects and recovered 50 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition in the past month as part of its intensified, intelligence-led operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, stated this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, where he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven and technology-led policing.
According to him, the arrests were made for various offences, including kidnapping, culpable homicide, armed robbery, defilement, drug trafficking, and child abuse.
He said explained credible intelligence, coordinated field operations, and inter-agency collaboration, we have dismantled several criminal networks and recovered significant exhibits, including firearms and stolen property,” CP Ojo said.
Among those arrested were six suspected kidnappers, a homicide suspect who allegedly decapitated a motorcycle mechanic, and several others linked to cases of child defilement and illicit drug trade.
CP Ojo expressed concern over the increasing involvement of teenagers in serious crimes across the state, describing the trend as deeply troubling.
He cited recent cases, including the arrest of 15-year-old Falade Ebenezer for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl in the Adewole area, and 17-year-old Ridwan Oseni, accused of defiling a five-year-old child.
The CP said both suspects had confessed to the crimes and would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The police boss also urged parents, teachers, and religious leaders to intensify efforts toward the moral upbringing of children.
He reiterated that the police would continue to ensure justice for victims of sexual abuse and other violent crimes.
Speaking on the September 28, 2025 attack in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where 15 people, including forest guards and the traditional chief of Ogba Ayo, were killed by suspected bandits, CP Ojo confirmed that five suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspects, he said, are Umar Babuga, Mohammed Ahmed, Aliyu Buba Alade, Sidi Buba Alade, and Shehu Buba Alade, who are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
The police commissioner also announced the arrest of several high-profile kidnappers.
He said one suspect, Muhammadu Bello, was apprehended along Tsaragi Road with 50 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in his belongings, while another, Sanni Gbadamosi, was arrested for using a mobile phone to negotiate ransom payments for a kidnapped farmer in the Ajase-Ipo area.
In another operation, he said the police rescued a kidnap victim in Igbaja, following a swift joint operation with local vigilantes, which led to the arrest of Saleh Ibrahim, a suspected cattle rustler and member of the abduction gang.
He commended residents for their cooperation and timely intelligence sharing, assuring that investigations were ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects.
CP Ojo further revealed that the Command intercepted a major drug-distribution network with the arrest of four suspects in Oke-Ode, recovering large quantities of Tramadol and other controlled substances.
The suspects, he said, were identified as Abdullahi Monsuru (19), Mohammed Waziri (30), Ukasha Suleiman (17), and Naziri Tukuru (22).
The CP added that they were arrested during a routine patrol after operatives discovered 50 packs of Tramadol, 10 packs of Benzhexol tablets, and other pharmaceutical drugs believed to be destined for criminal gangs.
Preliminary investigations, according to him, revealed that the suspects supply illicit substances to bandits and miscreants across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained surveillance and collaboration with the NDLEA to curb drug-related offences across Kwara State.
He also urged residents to report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s official channels.
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