JUST IN: Police arrests kidnap ring leader in Kwara, recover AK-47 rifles

The Kwara State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, as operatives arrested the suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered two AK-47 rifles.

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According to a press release issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest occurred on Sunday, June 1, 2026.

Operatives from the Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, raided a location in the Tabida area of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara North.

The suspects were immediately transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for interrogation. Preliminary investigations identified one Umar Abubakar, popularly known by the alias “Manti”, as the leader of the gang.

Manti is believed to be responsible for multiple kidnapping incidents and violent crimes in communities across Kwara North, including Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and surrounding areas.

During the operation and subsequent intelligence-led follow-up, police recovered two AK-47 rifles along with fully loaded magazines, weapons believed to have been used by the syndicate in their criminal operations.

The recovery is seen as a major blow to the group’s firepower and operational capacity.

“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,” the statement said.

The police also assured that efforts are ongoing to fully unravel the syndicate’s activities and bring all connected individuals to justice.

Upon completion of investigations, the suspects will be arraigned in court.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, commended the officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit and supporting formations for their professionalism and operational efficiency.

He assured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across the state to safeguard lives and property.