The Kwara State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapping gang leader and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The Command stated that the operation was carried out through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with operatives from the Okuta Divisional Headquarters following credible intelligence on criminal movements in the area.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command's spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation took place on 1 June 2026, during a routine raid around the Tabida area of Okuta, where several suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities were initially apprehended.

The statement read: "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 1 June 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."

"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," SP Ejire-Adeyemi said.

The Command disclosed that further intelligence-driven efforts resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, believed to have been used by the gang in executing their operations across affected communities.

"The recovery represents a significant disruption of the group's operational capability and a major step towards 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," the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, commended the officers of the VCRU and other supporting units for what he described as their professionalism, resilience, and effective coordination in achieving the breakthrough.

The Police boss further assured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations in the state, with sustained deployment of resources aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The police confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, as efforts continue to dismantle the wider criminal network operating within the region.