Kwara police dismantle kidnapping syndicate, arrest seven suspects, recover weapons

Crime Diary

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Kwara State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating across parts of the state, arresting seven suspects and recovering firearms during a series of intelligence-led operations.

The Command said the breakthrough followed investigations into the abduction of a resident in the Agbeyangi area of Ilorin and formed part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched a coordinated operation on May 28, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal network.

The police said the operation was aimed at rescuing victims and dismantling a syndicate allegedly linked to multiple kidnapping incidents across Kwara State.

Investigations initially led to the arrest of one Surajo Abubakar, whose alleged involvement in the criminal activities provided investigators with critical intelligence that advanced the operation.

Further intelligence gathering resulted in the arrest of Umar Yabani, also known as “Yabo,” who police identified as the leader of the syndicate, alongside two other suspects, Isah A. Sule and Umar Sani.

During the operation, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun from the suspects.

Preliminary investigations, according to the Command, linked the suspects to several kidnapping incidents in Ilorin East, Edu, Ifelodun and neighbouring communities.

The police said investigators subsequently intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining structures of the criminal network and track down other suspected members.

Acting on additional intelligence obtained during the investigation, the Command carried out a follow-up operation on June 4, 2026, in collaboration with members of the Forest Guard and local vigilante groups.

The operation targeted strategic locations within Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas and led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Bello Alhaji Maidabo, 25; Shehu Malami, 23; and Riskuwa Babuga, 18.

The suspects were apprehended in a forest near Tsaragi following coordinated surveillance and tactical operations by security personnel.

Police also recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm loaded with two live cartridges during the raid.

According to the Command, preliminary findings suggest that the newly arrested suspects played various roles within the kidnapping network and are assisting investigators with information aimed at rescuing victims believed to still be in captivity and identifying other fleeing members of the gang.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and organised crime.

He said the success reflects the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country.

The Commissioner reassured residents of the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and actionable information.

The police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue to rescue any victims still in captivity and apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.