The Kwara State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Saturday, the command said the exhibits recovered from the suspects include two locally made rifles and six mobile handsets.

The command said the breakthrough was recorded following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.

“On 23rd April 2026 at about 0030hrs, a case of kidnapping involving one Isaq J. ‘Male’ of Boriya Village via Okuta was reported at the station.

“The suspects had demanded a ransom of ₦50,000,000. Upon receipt of the report, the Command immediately activated a coordinated manhunt, mounting sustained operational pressure on the criminal elements, which led to the eventual release of the victim.

“Subsequently, on 30th April 2026 at about 2015hrs, one Mohammed Shede ‘Male’ of Boriya Village was arrested in connection with the crime.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to providing actionable intelligence to members of the gang identified as ‘Smalley’ and ‘Borugujo’, which facilitated the tracking and abduction of the victim at his farm.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of additional suspects, namely Abubakar Aliu ‘Male’ (identified as the gang’s armourer), Abu Sonkpia ‘Male’, Saliu Yakubu ‘Male’, and Sanni Sakariyau ‘Male’, all from Boriya Village.

The suspects confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping, as well as an armed robbery attack on one Muhammed Manu of the same community.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include two locally made rifles and six mobile handsets.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, including the aforementioned ‘Smalley’ and ‘Borugujo’, along with two additional accomplices currently at large, as investigation progresses.

The command urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations. (Tribune News)

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