The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a significant operational success in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, following the arrest of a suspected kidnapping gang leader and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough was achieved through the efforts of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The statement revealed that on June 1, 2026, operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a group of suspicious individuals during a routine raid operation in the Tabida area of Okuta.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the VCRU for detailed investigation and profiling. Preliminary findings led investigators to identify one Umar Abubakar, popularly known as "Manti," as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate linked to several kidnapping incidents and other violent crimes across parts of Kwara North.
Police investigations indicate that the syndicate operated within Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and surrounding communities.
Further intelligence-driven operations by the VCRU 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.
The Command described the recovery as a major setback to the criminal network and a significant step toward enhancing security and restoring public confidence in the affected communities.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are reportedly assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the syndicate. Police authorities stated that efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the gang's operations and ensure that all individuals connected to the crimes are brought to justice.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police praised the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit and other supporting formations whose collaborative efforts led to the successful operation.
The Command also reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations within the state.
According to the statement, the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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