The Kwara State Police Command has recorded what it described as a significant operational breakthrough after its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested a suspected kidnapping gang leader and recovered two AK-47 rifles in a sustained crackdown on violent crime across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Command, the operation was carried out on 1 June 2026, following intelligence-led raids in the Tabida area of Okuta, in Baruten Local Government Area.
Operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters reportedly apprehended a group of suspects during a routine operation after acting on credible intelligence about criminal activity in the area.
“On June 1, 2026, operatives attached to Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities during a routine raid operation within the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area,” the statement said.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the VCRU for further investigation and profiling.
Preliminary investigations led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, also known as “Manti”, as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate said to be responsible for a series of abductions and violent attacks across parts of Kwara North.
“Preliminary investigation by the VCRU led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, alias ‘Manti’, as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities,” the Command stated.
Police further disclosed that intelligence-driven follow-up operations led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, allegedly used by the gang in its operations.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations,” the statement added.
The Command said the arrests and recovery have significantly disrupted the operational capacity of the suspected criminal network.
It also confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with information to track down other members of the syndicate.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are providing investigators with useful information that will aid in identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network,” it said.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to fully dismantle the group and bring all collaborators to justice.
“The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. They will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.”
The statement, signed by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson of the Command, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and coordination.
It also assured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations in the state to strengthen public safety.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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