Suspected informant, armourer arrested in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command at the weekend arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms in its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks. The operation, carried out in Baruten Local Government Area, followed the abduction of a farmer, Isaq, from Boriya village. The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of N50 million. Police said a rapid […]

The Kwara State Police Command at the weekend arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms in its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks.

The operation, carried out in Baruten Local Government Area, followed the abduction of a farmer, Isaq, from Boriya village.

The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of N50 million.

Police said a rapid response was triggered upon receipt of the report, with operatives launching a coordinated manhunt that mounted sustained pressure on the gang before the victim was eventually released.

Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said days later, investigators made the first arrest.

“Mohammed Shede, also from Boriya village, was picked up on April 30 and, during interrogation, admitted supplying information that enabled the gang to locate and abduct the victim at his farm”, she said.

According to her, Shede identified two suspected gang leaders known as “Smalley” and “Borugujo,” who are believed to be among those still on the run.

“Further operations led to the arrest of four additional suspects, Abubakar Aliu, said to be the group’s armourer, alongside Abu Sonkpia, Saliu Yakubu and Sanni Sakariyau. All are residents of the same community”, she added.

She said the suspects confessed not only to the kidnapping but also to involvement in a separate armed robbery attack against another villager, Muhammed Manu.

“Items recovered during the operation include two locally made rifles and six mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating the crimes”, Adetoun submitted.