By Abdulraheem Olanrewaju
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered arms in a coordinated operation targeting criminal networks in Baruten Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed a kidnapping incident reported on April 23, 2026, involving one Isaq J. of Boriya Village via Okuta. The abductors had demanded a ransom of N50 million.
The police said a swift, intelligence-driven response led to sustained pressure on the suspects, forcing them to release the victim.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Mohammed Shede on April 30, who reportedly confessed to providing information that enabled the gang to track and abduct the victim at his farm.
The police said the suspect identified other members of the syndicate, including two suspects still at large, known as “Smalley” and “Borugujo.”
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of four additional suspects — Abubakar Aliu, identified as the gang’s armourer; Abu Sonkpia; Saliu Yakubu; and Sanni Sakariyau — all from Boriya Village.
The suspects, according to the police, also confessed to involvement in an armed robbery attack on another resident of the community.
Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made rifles and six mobile phones.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate, while urging members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations.
