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The Kwara State Police Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has recorded a significant operational success in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, leading to the arrest of a suspected kidnapping syndicate leader and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
According to a today's statement by the Spokesperson of the Kwara Police, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough followed the arrest of a group of suspected criminals by operatives of the Okuta Divisional Headquarters during a routine intelligence-led raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on June 1, 2026.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the VCRU for detailed investigation.
According to the police, investigations conducted by the VCRU led to the identification of Umar Abubakar, also known as "Manti," as the alleged leader of a kidnapping network believed to be responsible for a series of abductions and related violent crimes in parts of Kwara North, including Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu and neighbouring communities.
Building on intelligence gathered during the investigation, VCRU operatives further recovered two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the gang in carrying out criminal operations. The recovery is seen as a major setback for the syndicate and a significant boost to security efforts in the affected communities.
The Command said the suspects remain in custody and are providing useful information to investigators as efforts continue to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Commending the achievement, the Commissioner of Police praised the professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency of officers and men of the Violent Crime Response Unit, as well as other supporting formations whose collaborative efforts contributed to the successful operation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the state to ensure the protection of lives and property, assuring residents that all necessary resources are being deployed to combat crime and enhance public safety.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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