By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 2 suspected bandits and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other incriminating items during an intelligence-led operation in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with personnel of the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters, was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the operation led to the arrest of Bello Mohammed, 28 years, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25 years, at a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta which resulted to the recovered of various items from the hideout including 2 AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 2 cutlasses, 2 tube tyres allegedly used to restrain victims, firearm servicing materials, criminal charms, a dagger, a mobile phone and a power bank.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent crimes within Baruten and neighbouring communities.
During interrogation, one of the suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, reportedly confessed to participating in the group’s activities and revealed that he had previously lost three fingers after sustaining injuries during an encounter with security operatives.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 58 year old suspect, Umoru Saliu, who allegedly provided accommodation and logistical support to members of the criminal network, including some gang leaders who remain at large.
The commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the Command’s efforts to combat violent crimes and dismantle criminal networks across the state saying the success of the operation reflected the effectiveness of ongoing security strategies aimed at strengthening internal security and tackling criminal activities.
He further assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and bring all those involved to justice adding that suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be charged to court.