The Kwara State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping following a joint intelligence-driven operation involving police personnel and Forest Guards, which led to the arrest of three suspects and the uncovering of a suspected kidnapping network linked to several abductions across the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough followed the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka, a male resident of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, on October 24, 2026, at about 6 p.m. The suspect was apprehended at Okolowo, Ilorin, by a team of Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam. He was reportedly disguised in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms.

The statement said that during interrogation, Isiaka confessed to being a member of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly led by one Juli, a male resident of Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, who is currently at large. He reportedly disclosed that he was recruited into the gang in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where substantial ransom payments were allegedly collected.

Following further investigation and operational coordination, a joint team of police personnel and Forest Guards carried out a targeted operation at the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, 2026. The operation led to the arrest of two additional male suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to three.

The police said the suspects are undergoing further investigation and would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the process.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as another significant step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring lasting security in vulnerable communities across the state.

He reiterated that, in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the command would sustain intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and intensify efforts to apprehend criminal elements threatening the peace and security of Kwara State.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that security operations would continue across the state.