The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, arresting a suspected kidnap kingpin and three other suspects linked to a notorious criminal network operating across parts of Kwara North.
Police said the alleged gang leader, identified as Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
According to the command, two AK-47 rifles loaded with ammunition were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued in Ilorin by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
She disclosed that operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters initially apprehended the suspects during a routine raid on June 1, 2026, following credible intelligence reports.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.
Police investigations later identified Abubakar as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be behind several abduction cases and violent attacks in communities across Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida, Taberu, and other parts of Kwara North.
The command said the recovery of the assault rifles dealt a significant blow to the group’s operations and would help improve security in the affected communities.
“The recovery represents a major disruption of the group’s operational capability and a significant step toward restoring public safety,” the statement noted.
Police added that the suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State commended officers involved in the operation, describing the arrest as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing.
He assured residents that security operations have been intensified across strategic locations in the state to protect lives and property.
The suspects are expected to be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
Kogi Police Arrest Suspected Bandits After Community Attack
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspected bandits linked to a coordinated attack on Ayegunle community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Afusat Saliu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja.
According to the statement, the police received a distress call at about 2:49 a.m. reporting heavy gunfire in the community.
Following the alert, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical teams and other security assets to the area.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of suspects believed to have participated in the attack, as security agencies continue efforts to strengthen peace and security across the state.
The police assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the incident will be brought to justice.
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