Suspected Kidnapper Arrested in Kwara While Buying AK-47

On August 3, 2026, Sanda Aliyu was arrested in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara, while attempting to buy an AK-47, following intelligence received by the Anti-Kidnapping Section. The police stated that the arrest prevented the completion of the arms transaction and initiated an investigation into the network involved.

Aliyu was negotiating with another suspect, Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large, and had already paid ₦1.6 million towards the purchase. During interrogation, Aliyu admitted his intentions, revealing he sought to acquire the weapon to elevate his status within his kidnapping gang and eventually establish his own criminal organization.

Police Spokeswoman SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed these details in a statement. The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, emphasized the Command's commitment to combating criminal activities and urged residents to provide actionable information to assist in preventing arms trafficking and kidnapping plans.