The police command in Kwara State has arrested 16 suspects and recovered firearms, 98 rounds of ammunition, and a vehicle during operations across the state.

In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the arrests followed intelligence received on April 28, 2026, regarding kidnapping and other violent crimes.

She said, “The exhibits recovered during various operations within the month include ninety-eight (98) rounds of ammunition (comprising 20 assault rounds and 78 AK-47 rounds), additional AK-47 live ammunition, multiple locally fabricated firearms including a shotgun, cut-to-size shotgun, pistol, and a revolver rifle.

“Other items include a Toyota Matrix vehicle and mobile communication devices, among other incriminating items.”

Mrs Ejire-Adeyemi said police operatives also carried out a rescue operation at Apata Aja settlement, which led to the killing of a suspected bandit during a gun duel.

“The command acted after receiving credible intelligence that on 28th April, 2026 at about 2300hrs, armed men had invaded the settlement and abducted two persons. Acting swiftly, a combined team of police operatives and National Forest Guards launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“During an intensive bush-combing exercise, the operatives made contact with the fleeing suspects, who engaged the team with heavy gunfire. 

“In the ensuing exchange, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” she said.

She added that items recovered at the scene included live cartridges, expended ammunition, mobile phones, including a Samsung A2S, and suspected charms, indicating the organised nature of the criminal network.

Mrs Ejire-Adeyemi said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abductees and apprehend the suspects.