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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest five kidnapping suspects in Kwara

From The Punch · (5m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Kwara State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers involved in recent attacks in the state.
  • The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated security operation in a forest area, following credible intelligence.
  • Investigations are ongoing, and the police assure residents that efforts are being made to dismantle kidnapping networks and ensure safety.

Kwara State is demonstrating a robust response to the persistent threat of kidnapping, with the State Police Command announcing the arrest of five individuals linked to recent abductions. This success is a direct result of intensified security operations and a coordinated effort involving the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Team, local vigilantes, and forest guards.

The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated security operation carried out on April 23, 2026, at Oke-Iya Community by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Team, working alongside local vigilantes and forest guards.

— SP Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiDetailing the operation that led to the arrests

The operation, which took place in the Oke-Iya Community forest, was prompted by credible intelligence regarding criminal activities. The initial arrest of three suspects directly connected to the invasion of Idiya community, where five residents were abducted, led to further breakthroughs. The subsequent apprehension of two more suspects, Mohammad Awal and Sani Mallam Musa, underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation.

Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives, in collaboration with vigilantes and forest guards, carried out a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of three suspects connected to the recent kidnapping incident in Idiya community.

— SP Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiExplaining the initial breakthrough in the investigation

Crucially, the escape of two kidnapped victims provided vital information that aided the police in their pursuit. The recovery of a locally fabricated revolver rifle modified to fire AK-47 ammunition and live rounds from the suspects highlights the dangerous nature of these criminal networks. The Kwara State Police, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, has assured the public that investigations are continuing with the aim of dismantling these networks and prosecuting all involved. This proactive approach is essential for restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of residents across Kwara State.

Investigation is ongoing, and all suspects will be charged in court accordingly.

— SP Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiAssuring the public of legal action against the arrested suspects
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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