The Kwara State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has arrested a notorious kidnapper and also recovered two AK-47 rifles during a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi in a statement issued Wednesday said 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.
He said following the arrest, the suspects were transferred to the VCRU of the Command for detailed investigation and profiling.
Adeyemi noted: “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.
“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 recovery represents a significant disruption of the group’s operational capability and a major step towards restoring public safety within the affected areas.”
Adeyemi stressed that 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.
He emphasised that efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and bring all those connected with the crimes to justice.