In a major breakthrough against kidnapping, the Kwara State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered firearms during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across parts of the State.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin.
He 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.
“Through investigation and strategic deployment of operational assets, the operatives arrested one 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.
“Following the arrests, investigators intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network. Subsequent intelligence obtained from the suspects led operatives to identified locations and associates connected to the syndicate.
The police spokesman added that on the 4th of 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.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi said 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.
According to him, a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm loaded with two live cartridges was recovered during the operation.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the newly arrested suspects played various roles within the criminal network and are assisting investigators with valuable information aimed at rescuing victims believed to still be in captivity and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, stated that the breakthrough reflects the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, towards strengthening intelligence-led policing, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety nationwide.
The Commissioner of Police, 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.