The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained continuous offensive against kidnapping, with the arrest of six suspected kidnappers in Baruten Local Government Area.
According to a press release by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ilorin on Saturday, the police also recovered firearms from the suspects following a coordinated intelligence driven operation in the area.
The release disclosed that on 23rd April at about 0030 hrs, a case of kidnapping involving one male, Isaq J. of Boriya village via Okuta was reported at the station with the suspects demanding a ransom of N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira).
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 at about 2015 hrs, 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 male suspects, namely Abubakar Aliu (identified as the gang’s armourer), Abu Sonkpia, Saliu Yakubu, and Sanni Sakariyau, all of 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 urges members of the public to continue to provide credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
