Law enforcement efforts in Kwara State have yielded notable results as the state’s police command intensifies its crackdown on criminal gangs, particularly kidnapping syndicates. Recent operations have led to multiple arrests, the recovery of weapons, and the confiscation of over ₦11 million suspected to be ransom money.
During a press briefing in Ilorin on Friday, Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, credited the success to a shift toward intelligence-driven policing and increased tactical patrols.
One such breakthrough occurred on July 5 when patrol officers stopped a man identified as Saheed Jimoh Adekeja near the Federal Government College in Ilorin. A search of his motorcycle, lacking registration, revealed a locally fabricated pistol and several wraps of Indian hemp. Adekeja, a native of Awe Village in Asa Local Government Area, reportedly told investigators that the weapon was given to him by a man named Muritala for use as farm protection. Authorities are now pursuing Muritala.
In another operation in Amoyo on July 4, officers discovered a homemade double-barrel firearm in an abandoned building after three young men fled upon noticing the patrol. One of the suspects, known by the alias “Bold,” is believed to be a prominent drug peddler in the area and remains on the run.
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In Baruten Local Government Area, police responded to a kidnapping incident reported on June 22 in Okuta. Working alongside local vigilantes, officers launched a counter-operation that resulted in the death of one suspect, the arrest of another, and the rescue of the abducted victim. An AK-47 rifle, 13 rounds of ammunition, and a red Volkswagen Golf suspected to have been used by the assailants were recovered. A suspect, Idirisu Sariki, is currently in custody and has reportedly admitted involvement in multiple kidnapping cases across border towns.
Further progress came on June 25 when three women were apprehended at Babanla Motor Park for allegedly smuggling arms. A search revealed an AK-47 rifle with 31 live rounds concealed in luggage. Police say the weapons were meant for delivery to a gang operating from the Baba-Sango forest. One of the women claimed she was en route to meet her husband, whom authorities have identified as a wanted kidnapper. A fourth female suspect escaped and remains at large.
Another arrest occurred on July 6 in the town of Share, where officers detained Suleiman Jamiu and Mumini Mohammed during a routine stop-and-search. The pair were caught with ₦11.3 million in cash. Investigators believe the funds may be linked to a February 2025 kidnapping case involving a ₦20 million ransom demand. One of the suspects has been directly connected to that earlier case.
In separate incidents, attacks in Oro on May 30 and June 1 resulted in six kidnappings and one fatality. The police have charged three men, identified as Mohammed Olaiya Dende and Mohammed Dende among them, with kidnapping, murder, and conspiracy following their arrest.
The command also made headway in a case involving the kidnapping of Alhaji Abbass and Abubakar Issa in Lafiagi. Acting on credible intelligence, officers collaborated with local vigilantes to raid Gbugbu, where six suspects were taken into custody and two firearms recovered. The arrested individuals allegedly belong to a kidnapping network that spans Kwara and Niger States and are said to be working under a wanted kingpin known only as Tambaya.
In a final incident, police intercepted Buba Lawal in the Oko area of Ifelodun LGA. He was found in possession of an AK-47 magazine containing eight rounds. Authorities say he is suspected of multiple kidnapping attempts and remains under investigation.
Commissioner Ojo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rooting out criminal activity. “These arrests and recoveries send a clear message: Kwara will not harbor those who threaten the peace and safety of our communities,” he said. “We are unrelenting in our pursuit of justice.”
