The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the arrest of a suspected gang leader and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
Police authorities said the operation was carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with officers from the Okuta Divisional Headquarters following credible intelligence about the activities and movement of suspected criminals in the area.
The suspect, identified as Umar Abubakar, popularly known by the alias “Manti,” is believed to be the leader of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for several abduction cases and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara North Senatorial District.
The arrest is being seen as a significant development in efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping, which has become one of the most serious security challenges in several parts of Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation took place on June 1, 2026.
The police said officers acting on credible intelligence carried out a routine raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, where a number of suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities were initially apprehended.
“The Kwara State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state,” the statement said.
“On June 1, 2026, operatives attached to Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities during a routine raid operation within the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.”
Following the arrests, investigators from the VCRU launched further inquiries, which led to the identification of Umar Abubakar as a key figure in the suspected criminal network.
“Preliminary investigation by the VCRU led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, alias ‘Manti’, as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North,” the statement added.
The police said intelligence gathered during the investigation led to another major discovery.
According to the Command, operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the gang in carrying out kidnapping and other criminal operations in affected communities.
The recovery of the firearms is expected to weaken the operational strength of the group and reduce its ability to launch further attacks.
Police authorities described the seizure as an important step in ongoing efforts to improve security and restore confidence among residents of the affected areas.
“The recovery represents a significant disruption of the group’s operational capability and a major step towards restoring public safety within the affected areas,” the statement said.
The Command disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators by providing useful information.
Police said the information being supplied by the arrested suspects is helping investigators identify other members of the criminal network and trace their activities across the region.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are providing investigators with useful information that will aid in identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network,” the police added.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, praised officers involved in the operation for their commitment and professionalism.
He commended members of the Violent Crime Response Unit, personnel of the Okuta Division and other supporting units for what he described as effective coordination and dedication in achieving the breakthrough.
According to the police commissioner, the success of the operation demonstrates the value of intelligence-led policing in combating crime and protecting communities.
He also assured residents that security agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
The commissioner disclosed that intelligence gathering and security operations have been intensified in strategic locations throughout Kwara.
He said additional resources have been deployed to strengthen surveillance, improve response capabilities and prevent criminal groups from operating freely.
The latest arrest comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crime in parts of the country.
Over the past few years, kidnapping for ransom has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, affecting communities in both rural and urban areas.
Criminal gangs have targeted travellers, farmers, business owners, students and community leaders, often demanding large sums of money from victims’ families before release.
Several states in the North-Central region have experienced incidents linked to kidnapping and armed attacks, prompting calls for stronger security measures and improved intelligence gathering.
Security experts have repeatedly stressed that the arrest of gang leaders and the recovery of weapons are critical steps in dismantling criminal networks.
They argue that taking firearms out of circulation can significantly reduce the ability of criminal groups to carry out attacks and threaten communities.
Residents of Kwara North have in recent years expressed concerns about insecurity in some border communities, particularly areas located close to forests and remote settlements.
The police operation is therefore expected to bring some relief to affected communities and strengthen public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
Authorities, however, have cautioned that the fight against kidnapping requires sustained cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
The police have repeatedly urged residents to provide timely and credible information that can help prevent criminal activities before they occur.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to track down other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
Officials said those arrested would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
As security agencies continue their operations, residents hope the latest breakthrough will lead to the complete dismantling of the network and contribute to lasting peace and safety across the state.
For now, the arrest of the suspected gang leader and the recovery of the rifles represent one of the most significant anti-kidnapping successes recorded by the Kwara State Police Command in recent months.