Police nab suspected kidnapper attempting to purchase N1.6m AK-47 rifle
Kwara Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Firearm Procurement Case
The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended a suspected member of a kidnapping gang in connection with an alleged plan to acquire an AK-47 rifle for 1.6 million naira. The suspect, identified as Sanda Aliyu, was arrested on August 3, 2026, in the Kaiama Local Government Area.
According to police officials, Aliyu was negotiating the purchase with an individual named Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large. Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Section conducted an operation that led to Aliyu’s arrest before the firearm could be delivered.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi reported that Aliyu confessed during interrogation to his involvement in the arms transaction, revealing that 1.6 million naira had already been paid toward the purchase.
“Aliyu stated that he intended to acquire the firearm to elevate his status within his current kidnapping gang and eventually separate to form and lead his own criminal organization,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
The police have initiated a further investigation to verify the transaction details, identify others involved in the attempted purchase, and assess the broader criminal network.
“The ongoing investigation aims to provide additional insights into the circumstances of the arms transaction and uncover any associated criminal activities,” the statement added.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi assured residents that the command would continue its intelligence-led operations to combat criminal activities throughout the state.
