The Kwara State Police Command has announced the recovery of firearms, and the seizure of over ₦11.3 million suspected to be proceeds from kidnapping ransoms.
The police also intercepted three women at Babanla Motor Park, suspected of smuggling arms. One AK-47 rifle and 31 rounds of ammunition were found in their possession.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin. He highlighted several coordinated operations conducted in collaboration with local security networks across various parts of the state.
One of the key arrests involved a notorious kidnap suspect, Idirisu Sariki, who was apprehended in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area. Sariki is allegedly connected to multiple kidnapping incidents in border communities. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, 13 rounds of ammunition, and a red Volkswagen Golf used by the gang.
The Command also arrested Suleiman Jamiu and Mumini Mohammed in Share, Ifelodun Local Government Area, with ₦11.3 million, believed to be ransom proceeds.
Further arrests were made in connection with the May 30 and June 1 kidnapping incidents in Oro, where a gang involving Mohammed Olaiya Dende and Mohammed Dende were apprehended. The attacks on a cashew factory and a residential area left one person dead and six others kidnapped. The suspects will face charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide.
Additionally, six suspects linked to the kidnapping of Alhaji Abbass and Abubakar Issa in Lafiagi were captured. Two firearms were recovered during the investigations.
Commissioner Ojo reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intensified security operations across the state to ensure the safety and peace of all residents.