The Kwara State police command has arrested suspected bandits in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of the state  and recovered assault weapons.

The command, in a statement by its spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Tuesday, said the successful operation followed a credible intelligence which led to a tactical raid on the hideout.

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Ms Ejire-Adeyemi stated, “‎A coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Kwara State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has dealt a significant setback to criminal elements operating within Baruten Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits, the recovery of assault weapons, and the apprehension of a suspected facilitator linked to the criminal network.

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“‎Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the VCRU, working in close collaboration with personnel of the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters, conducted a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on 6th June 2026, leading to the arrest of Bello Mohammed (28) and Abubakar Mohammed (25).

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She noted that a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tyres allegedly used in restraining victims, firearm servicing materials, criminal charms, a dagger, one mobile phone, and a power bank.

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According to the command, ‎preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes within the Baruten axis and adjoining communities. 

“During interrogation, Abubakar Mohammed confessed to his involvement in the group’s activities and disclosed that he had previously sustained injuries during an encounter with security operatives, resulting in the loss of three fingers,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added.

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The command noted that ‎further exploitation of intelligence generated during the investigation led to the arrest of one Umoru Saliu (58) on 7th June 2026.

It added that nvestigation showed that the suspect allegedly provided accommodation and an enabling environment for members of the criminal network, including its leaders as well as other gang members who were currently at large.

Noting that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network, Ms Ejire-Adeyemi stated suspects found culpable would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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The state Police commissioner, Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s sustained offensive against violent crimes. 

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