The police command in Kwara State has disrupted a planned purchase of an AK-47 rifle and arrested the potential buyer identified as Sanda Aliyu in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. 

A statement by the command’s spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi on Thursday said the arrest followed actionable intelligence which exposed the illicit arms transaction before its completion.

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“‎On 3rd August, 2026, intelligence received by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section indicated that Sanda Aliyu was allegedly negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, currently at large, for the procurement of an AK-47 rifle. Detectives immediately initiated a targeted operation around the intelligence, resulting in the arrest of Sanda Aliyu before the weapon could be delivered,” Ms Adetoun stated.

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She noted that ‎during interrogation, the suspect voluntarily admitted his involvement in the transaction and disclosed that ₦1.6 million had already been paid towards the purchase of the rifle. 

Ms Adetoun added, “He further revealed that the purpose of acquiring the firearm was to enable him rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang, before ultimately breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal gang.

“Investigative verification of the transaction has provided further leads into the circumstances surrounding the attempted acquisition and identify other persons connected with the illicit arms transaction, establish the full extent of the network, and unravel the broader criminal activities associated with the gang.”

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‎The state Commissioner of police, Ojo Adekimi, assured citizens of continued offensive against criminals. 

The command reaffirmed its commitment to deploying every lawful intelligence and operational resource at its disposal to keep communities and residents safe.