The Kwara State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected kidnapping gang leader and recovered two AK-47 rifles in a major operation targeting violent crimes in the state.
In a statement by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer, the command said operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters arrested a group of suspected criminals during a raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on June 1.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.
According to the police, preliminary findings identified one Umar Abubakar, also known as "Manti," as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara North, including Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida, Taberu and neighboring communities.
The command said intelligence-led investigations led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the gang in its operations.
Police described the recovery as a significant blow to the group's activities and an important step toward improving security in the affected areas.
The suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators with information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the network.
The command said efforts are ongoing to determine the full scope of the syndicate’s activities.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police commended officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit and other supporting formations for their role in the operation, assuring residents that intelligence-driven security operations have been intensified across the state.
Police said the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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