The Kwara State Police Command has announced the uncovering of a kidnapping ring connected to several past abductions, following a joint security sweep with Forest Guards that led to three arrests.
The arrests followed a joint operation by police officers and Forest Guards, which the command said uncovered a suspected kidnapping network operating in the state.
In a press release on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the breakthrough followed the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka in Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24.
The statement reads in part: “The sustained offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes in Kwara State has recorded a significant breakthrough following an intelligence-driven joint operation involving the Police and Forest Guards, which led to the arrest of three (3) suspects and the uncovering of a suspected kidnapping network linked to several abductions within the State.”
According to the police, Isiaka, a native of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, was arrested at about 6 p.m. by a team of Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam.
He was allegedly wearing female attire and a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms when he was intercepted.
The command said Isiaka confessed during interrogation to being a member of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly led by one Juli, who is said to be from Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and remains at large.
The statement added that Isiaka disclosed he was recruited into the gang in August 2026 and participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where substantial ransom payments were collected.
Following further investigations, a joint team of police personnel and Forest Guards raided the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.
The statement said: “The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion.”
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 across vulnerable communities in the State.”
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The statement added: “The Command will sustain intelligence-led operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and intensify the pursuit of criminal elements threatening the peace and security of Kwara State.”
What You Should Know
Security operatives in Kwara State dismantled a dangerous kidnapping syndicate after arresting three suspects, including one disguised in female attire with charms, during a joint operation with Forest Guards.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced security and swift dismantling of criminal networks will help restore safety and confidence in vulnerable communities across Kwara State.
- Potential Concerns: The incident highlights the ongoing threat of criminal hideouts in forested areas and the cunning tactics, such as disguises, used by syndicates to evade law enforcement.
