The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended 22 suspects in connection with a range of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and culpable homicide.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday at the command headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital. He warned criminal elements to steer clear of the state or face the full weight of the law.
“Kwara State is hostile to your operations, and we will not relent until every inch of the state is secured for law-abiding citizens,” Ojo declared.
Among those arrested is Saheed Jimoh Adekeja, apprehended for unlawful possession of a firearm and substances suspected to be cannabis. Another suspect, known simply as Olamide, alias ‘Bold’, was reportedly caught in possession of a locally fabricated firearm.
In a significant breakthrough against kidnapping syndicates, the police arrested Idrisu Sariki, alleged to be a ring leader, along with three women — Aisha Haruwa, Rabi Umaru, and Fatimoh Abubakar — for allegedly aiding and abetting kidnappers and arms traffickers.
Two other suspects, Suleiman Jamiu and Mumini Mohammed, were arrested in possession of N11 million believed to be proceeds of crime linked to kidnapping activities.
Ten more individuals were arrested in connection with various kidnapping cases across the state. These include Mohamed Olaiya, Mohammed Dende, Somo Gida, Umar Mohammed, Aliyu Usman, Sidi Sagari, Jemo Isah, Shehu Ibrahim, Lawal Usman, and Buba Lawal — the latter reportedly found with an AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition.
Furthermore, three suspects — Adamu Nuhu, Dauda Amuda, and Dare Alabi — were identified as members of a robbery gang that had been targeting student hostels at the Kwara State University, Malete.
Commissioner Ojo commended the efforts of tactical teams, investigative units, divisional formations, vigilantes, local hunters, and sister security agencies. He attributed the recent successes to their unwavering commitment and professionalism in the ongoing fight against crime in the state.
