The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected key member of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Aliu Abubakar, was apprehended on Friday, December 3, at the Oro-Ago Motor Park in Ifelodun Local Government Area after community members alerted security operatives.
According to police sources, Abubakar initially claimed he was travelling to visit a relative, but officers became suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in his statements. A search of his mobile phone reportedly revealed photographs of him posing with firearms and other armed individuals, as well as images displaying large bundles of cash believed to be ransom proceeds from previous kidnappings.
During interrogation, Abubakar allegedly confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping operations and confirmed that the money in the recovered images was shared among members of his gang.
In a related development, police operatives also intercepted a courier associated with the syndicate along the Gbugbu–Patigi Road. The officers recovered 100 rounds of live ammunition reportedly intended for kidnappers hiding in the forest.
The Kwara State Police Command said investigations are ongoing, adding that more arrests are expected as the crackdown on kidnapping networks continues.