Kwara Police Bust Suspected Bandit Network in Baruten, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Arrest Three

The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the disruption of a suspected banditry network operating in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working in collaboration with officers from the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters, carried out an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of two suspected bandits and the recovery of assault weapons and other incriminating items.

The operation, conducted on June 6, 2026, targeted a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, where security operatives arrested Bello Mohammed, 28, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25. During a search of the premises, police recovered two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tyres allegedly used to restrain victims, firearm servicing materials, criminal charms, a dagger, a mobile phone, and a power bank.

Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes across the Baruten axis and neighbouring communities. The police disclosed that during interrogation, one of the suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, allegedly admitted involvement in the group’s activities and revealed that he had previously lost three fingers after sustaining injuries during an encounter with security operatives.

Further intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of a third suspect, Umoru Saliu, 58, on June 7, 2026. Police investigators alleged that Saliu provided accommodation and logistical support for members of the criminal network, including some gang leaders and other suspects who remain at large.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant success in the Command’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime.

He said the achievement reflected the effectiveness of strategies introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at strengthening internal security and dismantling criminal networks across the country.

The police boss added that efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicate, while all suspects found culpable will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.