Kwara Police Nab Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Rifle and AK-47 Ammunition in Coordinated Raid

The Kwara State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms and ammunition during a coordinated security operation.

According to a press statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough followed a targeted operation carried out on April 23, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m. in Oke-Iya Community. The operation was executed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Team, acting on credible intelligence and working in synergy with local vigilantes and forest guards.

The raid led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Idris Umar, Muhammed Usman, and Abdullahi Abubakar. Police authorities linked the trio to a recent attack on Idiya Community, where five residents were abducted.

Further investigations revealed that two of the victims had earlier escaped from captivity, providing critical leads that aided law enforcement efforts. Acting on these developments, operatives tracked and apprehended two additional suspects, Mohammad Awal and Sani Mallam Musa, believed to be connected to the kidnapping operation.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a locally fabricated revolver rifle modified to fire AK-47 ammunition, along with eight rounds of live ammunition, highlighting the evolving tactics and firepower of criminal elements.

The Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that all suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of the inquiry.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.