The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest of an alleged gang leader linked to a string of abductions across communities in the northern part of the state.
The suspect, identified as Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” was arrested following intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), which also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles loaded with ammunition.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began on June 1 when officers attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters raided criminal hideouts in the Tabida area of Baruten Local Government Area and apprehended a group of suspected criminals.
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The statement explained that the suspects were subsequently transferred to the VCRU for further investigation, during which Umar Abubakar was identified as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising several communities in Kwara North.
“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, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities,” the statement stated.
Police further disclosed that follow-up intelligence operations resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the gang during its operations.
The Command described the recovery as a significant setback for the criminal network and a major step towards improving security in the affected communities.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations. 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 emphasised.
The police said the suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo praised the professionalism and dedication of the VCRU and other supporting units for their role in achieving the success.
The Command also reassured residents of its commitment to tackling crime across the state, noting that intelligence-driven operations have been intensified in strategic locations to safeguard lives and property.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
