The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly connected to multiple abductions across the state, following an intelligence-led operation involving police personnel and forest guards.
The operation reportedly uncovered a suspected nine-man criminal network operating in parts of Kwara State, with investigations ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the operation began with the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24.
Isiaka, a native of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, was reportedly intercepted by forest guards led by Jebrin Adam at approximately 6:00 p.m.
According to the police, the suspect was allegedly wearing female clothing, including a hijab, and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms when he was intercepted.
During interrogation, Isiaka reportedly confessed to belonging to a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly led by a man identified as Juli, said to be from Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa. The alleged gang leader remains at large, according to the statement.
The police further alleged that Isiaka disclosed he was recruited into the group in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where the gang allegedly collected substantial ransom payments.
The command said the information obtained during the initial investigation prompted a follow-up operation targeting the suspected gang’s hideout.
On October 25, a joint team of police operatives and forest guards reportedly raided the suspected camp, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified only as Seriki and Jebrin.
The arrests brought the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the operation to three, while other alleged members of the network remain at large.
The police said the suspects were undergoing further investigation and would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as an important step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and improving security in vulnerable communities across the state.
Adekimi reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, stronger collaboration with other security agencies and sustained operations against individuals and groups suspected of threatening public safety.
He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities in identifying criminal hideouts, sharing credible intelligence and preventing further abductions.
The police said the operation was conducted in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Although the arrests represent progress in the investigation, the alleged syndicate’s full membership and the extent of its activities remain subjects of further inquiry. The arrest of three suspects does not, by itself, establish the guilt of those arrested or confirm every allegation made against them.
The command is expected to continue efforts to locate the alleged gang leader and other suspected members while pursuing evidence that could establish responsibility for the reported kidnapping incidents.
Residents have been encouraged to provide credible information to security agencies and remain vigilant as authorities intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kwara State.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
