Kwara Police arrest six kidnap suspects, recover arms
Kwara State Police Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers
ILORIN, Nigeria — The Kwara State Police Command has arrested six individuals in connection with a kidnapping case and recovered firearms during a coordinated operation in the Baruten Local Government Area.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, a report was filed on April 23, 2026, regarding the abduction of Isaq J., a resident of Boriya Village, around 12:30 p.m. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦50 million.
Following the report, police launched an immediate manhunt, applying significant operational pressure on the suspects, which ultimately led to the victim’s release.
On April 30, police apprehended Mohammed Shede, also from Boriya Village, who is believed to have provided critical intelligence to the gang members known as “Smalley” and “Borugujo,” aiding in the victim’s abduction while he was working on his farm.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of additional suspects: Abubakar Aliu, identified as the group’s armourer, along with Abu Sonkpia, Saliu Yakubu, and Sanni Sakariyau, all from the same community. The suspects have confessed to their roles in the kidnapping as well as an armed robbery targeting community member Muhammed Manu.
Authorities recovered two locally made rifles and six mobile phones from the suspects. The police noted that efforts are ongoing to capture other members of the gang still at large, including “Smalley” and “Borugujo,” along with two additional accomplices.
The Kwara State Police Command is urging the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
