Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Arms in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered arms, ammunition and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the operation was carried out on June 5 at about 9:30 a.m. following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Okuta, was said to have led a combined team of policemen and local vigilantes to a suspected criminal hideout located behind Baptist Grammar School, Okuta.

According to the sources, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Bello Muhammad, 28, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25.

A subsequent search of the hideout reportedly led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three loaded magazines containing 65 rounds of live ammunition, two cutlasses, firearm servicing equipment, suspected criminal charms and two tyre tubes allegedly used in restraining victims.

The suspects were said to have confessed during interrogation to belonging to a criminal gang led by one Sodiq, which has been allegedly involved in kidnapping activities within Okuta and its environs.

Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest other members of the gang currently at large, while investigations into the case have commenced.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Kwara State.