The Kwara State police command says it arrested seven suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered firearms during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across parts of the state.
The development came hours after the command nabbed four suspected kidnappers in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said, ”On 28th May 2026, operatives of the anti-kidnapping squad, acting on credible intelligence regarding the abduction of a resident within the Agbeyangi axis of Ilorin, launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation aimed at rescuing victims and dismantling the criminal network responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents across the state.”
She noted that operatives arrested a suspect, Surajo Abubakar, whose involvement in the crime provided critical intelligence that significantly advanced the investigation.
”Further exploitation of the intelligence gathered led to the arrest of Umar Yabani alias “Yabo,” identified as the leader of the syndicate, Isah A. Sule and Umar Sani.
During the operation, one AK-47 rifle and one pump-action gun were recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to several kidnapping incidents across Ilorin East, Edu, Ifelodun, and neighbouring communities within Kwara State,” she added.
Ms Ejire-Adeyemi stated that the command had intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network, noting that subsequent intelligence obtained from the suspects led operatives to identify locations and associates connected to the syndicate.
She said, “Consequently, on 4th June 2026, the Command carried out a follow-up intelligence-led operation in collaboration with members of the Forest Guard and Local Vigilante Groups across strategic locations within Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas.
”The operation resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected members of the syndicate identified as Bello Alhaji Maidabo (25), Shehu Malami (23), and Riskuwa Babuga (18), who were apprehended in the forest near Tsaragi following coordinated surveillance and tactical operations.”
Noting that a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm loaded with two live cartridges was recovered during the operation, the command said preliminary investigations indicated that the newly arrested suspects played various roles within the criminal network.
The command added that the suspects were assisting investigators with valuable information aimed at rescuing victims believed to still be in captivity, as well as arresting other fleeing members of the gang.
Police commissioner, CP Ojo Adekimi, stated that the breakthrough reflected the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the PSC (+), and the NPM towards strengthening intelligence-led policing, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety nationwide.
He further reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and actionable information.