By Folayimika Akanbi
Two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazine were recovered after operatives of Kwara State Police Command apprehended some suspects in connection with kidnapping cases in parts of Kwara North.
The suspects, including their leader, Umar Abubakar, also known as “Manti”, who are currently being held in custody, were picked up when the police team stormed Tabida Area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson of the state police command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday night, adding that the suspects have been linked to kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities.
The statement disclosed that investigation showed that the criminal gang used the retrieved rifles to launch onslaught on their target within the axis.
It noted that the suspects in custody were making available useful information to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The statement said investigation has begun on the suspects while still in custody, adding that they would have their day in court when investigation is concluded.
It quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, to have commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational efficiency of the officers and men of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the state police command and other supporting formations whose collaborative efforts led to the success.
The statement assured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations with the deployment of available resources to ensure the continued safety of lives and property across the state.
“The Kwara State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
“On June 1, 2026, operatives attached to Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities during a routine raid operation within the Tabida Area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
“Following the arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Command for detailed investigation and profiling.
“Preliminary investigation by the VCRU led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, alias “Manti”, as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate, believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations. The recovery represents a significant disruption of the group’s operational capability and a major step toward restoring public safety within the affected areas.
“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. Efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and bring all those connected with the crimes to justice,” the statement partly read.
Visited 13 times, 7 visit(s) today
