Kwara VCRU arrest suspected kidnap kingpin, recover two AK-47 rifles in major crackdown

The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes following the arrest of a suspected kidnapping gang leader and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), who have intensified intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks across Kwara.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough stemmed from a routine raid conducted on June 1, 2026, by officers attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters in the Tabida area of Okuta.

The police said the operation was based on credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of several suspicious individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities within the area.

Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the VCRU for further investigation and profiling.

Preliminary investigations reportedly identified one Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate linked to several abduction cases and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara North.

Police authorities disclosed that the suspect and his gang were believed to have operated in communities around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida, Taberu and other neighbouring areas.

Further intelligence-driven investigations led operatives to recover two AK-47 rifles loaded with magazines, which investigators suspect were used by the gang during kidnapping operations and other criminal activities.

The Command described the recovery as a significant blow to the syndicate’s operational strength and a major step toward improving security in affected communities.

The police added that the suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.

Efforts are also ongoing to determine the full scope of the gang’s activities and ensure that all those connected to the crimes are brought to justice.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police praised the professionalism, resilience and dedication of personnel of the VCRU and other supporting units whose collaborative efforts contributed to the success.

The Command reassured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations in the state, stressing that all available resources are being deployed to safeguard lives and property.

Police authorities confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.