Kwara: Police Nab Alleged Kidnap Kingpin, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes following the arrest of an alleged gang leader linked to series of abductions in parts of Kwara North, and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
The suspect, identified as Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” was allegedly uncovered during an intelligence-led investigation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after a raid in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters arrested a group of suspected criminals during a routine operation in the Tabida area on June 1, 2026.
The statement said the suspects were subsequently transferred to the VCRU for further profiling and investigation, which led to the identification of Abubakar as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating across 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 read.
Police investigators also recovered 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 blow to the criminal network and a major step towards improving security in 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 added.
The police disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody and have been providing useful information to investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State commended officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit and other supporting formations for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency in achieving the breakthrough.
The Command further reassured residents of its commitment to tackling insecurity, noting that intelligence-led operations had been intensified across strategic locations in the state.
“The Command further assures residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations, while all available resources are being deployed to ensure the continued safety of lives and property throughout the State,” the statement said.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
