Police storm kidnappers’ hideout, arrest 16 suspects, recover 98 rounds of ammunition in Kwara
Kwara State Police Command Intensifies Crackdown on Kidnapping
Kwara State Police have announced significant progress in their efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime, resulting in the arrest of 16 suspects and the recovery of various weapons and items linked to criminal activities.
The police disclosed this information in a statement issued on May 2, 2026, detailing a series of coordinated operations conducted throughout April. These operations targeted criminal networks in multiple regions of the state.
Among the items recovered from the suspects were 98 rounds of ammunition, including those for assault rifles and AK-47s, as well as locally made firearms such as a shotgun, pistol, and revolver. Authorities also seized a Toyota Matrix vehicle and mobile devices.
In a related incident, police engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle during a rescue operation at the Apata Aje settlement. This confrontation followed intelligence reports indicating that armed assailants had attacked the community on April 28, abducting two residents.
Acting on this information, a joint team of police officers and forest guards initiated a search operation, leading to an encounter with the suspects. According to the police statement, one suspected bandit was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Additionally, recovery efforts at the site yielded live cartridges, spent ammunition, mobile phones, and suspected charms associated with the criminal group.
The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted individuals and track down remaining gang members.
Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi emphasized the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and maintaining pressure on kidnappers and bandits. He assured the community that operations would continue until the perpetrators were brought to justice.
