Kwara Police Arrest Kidnapping Gang Leader and Associates

The Kwara State Police Command reported the arrest of Umar Abubakar, alias Manti, the suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate, along with three other individuals in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area. This operation is part of an ongoing offensive against violent crime and kidnapping in the state.

The arrests were made following credible intelligence and routine raids conducted by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on June 1, 2026. During the operation, police recovered two fully loaded AK-47 rifles believed to be used by the criminal gang.

The police stated that the suspects are linked to a series of kidnapping incidents in Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha Baruba, and Tabida. The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The Kwara State Police Command commended the efforts of the VCRU in this operation.