Kwara police command has arrested a group of suspicious persons involved in kidnapping and criminal activities in northern part of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement on Wednesday, said the operation followed credible intelligence leading to a raid within the Baruten LGA of the state.

Ms Ejire-Adeyemi stated, “On June 1, 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.”

She noted that the suspects were transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Command for detailed investigation and profiling.

“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, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added. 

According to her, further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations. 

She explained that the recovery represented 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. Efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and bring all those connected with the crimes to justice,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added.

Police commissioner, Ojo Adekimi, commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational efficiency of the officers, adding the suspects will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.