The Kwara State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt to procure an AK-47 rifle in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state, arresting the suspected buyer before the firearm could be delivered.
The Command, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the operation followed actionable intelligence received by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section on August 3, 2026.
According to the police, the intelligence indicated that a suspect identified as Sanda Aliyu was allegedly negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently at large, to procure an AK-47 rifle.
Following the intelligence, detectives reportedly launched a targeted operation which led to Aliyu's arrest before the transaction could be completed and the firearm delivered.
The police said the suspect, during interrogation, admitted his involvement in the alleged transaction and disclosed that ₦1.6 million had already been paid towards the purchase of the rifle.
He reportedly told investigators that he intended to acquire the firearm to enable him rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang, before eventually breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal gang.
The Command said ongoing investigations and verification of the transaction had provided further leads that could help identify other individuals connected to the alleged arms deal, determine the extent of the network and uncover other criminal activities linked to the gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, while commending the strategic policing direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, assured residents that the Command would sustain its operations against criminal elements across the state.
He said the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led and lawful operational strategies to strengthen security and ensure that residents and communities across Kwara could live safely.
The alleged accomplice, Aliyu Mohammed, remains at large as investigations continue.
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