Police arrest 5 kidnappers, recover locally-made rifle

By Muyideen Aliyu

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 5 suspected kidnappers and recovered a locally fabricated weapon following a coordinated operation in the Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out on Apr. 23, 2026, was led by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Team, which acted on credible intelligence and collaborated with local vigilantes and forest guards to storm the Oke-Iya Community.

The team successfully dismantled a cell responsible for the abduction of 5 residents. Intense pressure from the operation had earlier forced 2 of the victims to escape from captivity before 3 suspects were arrested.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the operation, adding that the collaboration between police operatives, local vigilantes, and forest guards proved critical in navigating difficult forest terrain and locating the kidnappers’ hideouts.

A locally fabricated revolver rifle adapted to fire AK-47 ammunition was recovered during the operation. Security analysts say such improvised weapons pose a growing threat to internal security, as they allow criminals to sidestep conventional arms trafficking channels.

The remaining 2 suspects, Mohammad Awal and Sani Mallam Musa, were subsequently tracked and arrested, reflecting the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks beyond the immediate scene.

The suspects are set to be charged in court.