Kwara police disrupt banditry network, recover AK-47 rifles, arrest suspected facilitator

Crime Diary

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have disrupted a suspected banditry network operating in Baruten Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspected bandits, the recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the apprehension of an alleged facilitator linked to the criminal group.

The operation was carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with personnel of the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals in the area.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the intelligence-led raid was conducted on June 6, 2026, at a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.

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The operation resulted in the arrest of Bello Mohammed, 28, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25.

Police said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tyres allegedly used to restrain victims, firearm maintenance materials, suspected criminal charms, a dagger, a mobile phone, and a power bank.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspects to a criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes within Baruten and neighbouring communities.

The Command disclosed that during interrogation, one of the suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, allegedly confessed to participating in the activities of the criminal group and revealed that he had previously sustained injuries during an encounter with security operatives, resulting in the loss of three fingers.

Further intelligence gathering and follow-up investigations led to the arrest of Umoru Saliu, 58, on June 7, 2026.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly provided accommodation and logistical support to members of the criminal network, including some of its leaders and other suspected gang members who remain at large.

Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the development as a major breakthrough in the Command’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime across the state.

He said the success of the operation reflects the effectiveness of strategies introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at strengthening internal security, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety nationwide.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang and dismantle the remaining structures of the criminal network.

The Command added that all suspects found culpable would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.