The Kwara State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes, leading to the rescue of kidnap victims, the arrest of several suspected criminals and the recovery of firearms, stolen property and other exhibits across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, disclosed the achievements on Friday during a press briefing in Ilorin, saying the successes were the result of intelligence-led policing, stronger community engagement and proactive security operations in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
“I am pleased to brief you today on some of the notable operational successes recently recorded by the Command.
“These achievements reflect the commitment, professionalism, and resilience of our officers and men, as well as the invaluable support and cooperation of the good people of Kwara State,” the commissioner said.
Among the major cases highlighted was the arrest of three teenage suspects intercepted by operatives of Operation Harmony along the Oko-Olowo/Alapa axis while transporting large quantities of electronic gadgets suspected to be stolen.
The recovered items included 19 cartons of i17 Air Flip and Air Pro Flip mobile phones, several power banks, used iPhones, Samsung Fold, Redmi, Tecno and Itel phones, a Zealot speaker and wristwatches.
According to the police, the suspects failed to provide proof of ownership or explain the source of the items.
They have since been arraigned and remanded at a juvenile correctional centre pending further proceedings.
The command also announced the successful rescue of 26-year-old Miss Shekinat Mukaila, who was abducted on July 15 at Wande Community in Ora Kingdom.
During the attack, her father, the community’s chief, sustained gunshot injuries while trying to resist the kidnappers.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Aliyu Mohammed, who allegedly facilitated the kidnapping, while intelligence gathered during ransom negotiations enabled security operatives to rescue the victim unharmed.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
In another anti-kidnapping operation, detectives arrested 30-year-old Haruna Rabiu, suspected to be a member of the notorious Auta Ilorin kidnapping network operating around the forests bordering Landaji and Ndeji in Patigi Local Government Area.
Three mobile phones recovered from him are undergoing forensic examination as investigators intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate.
The police also uncovered the alleged abduction and murder of 29-year-old Sulaiman Riliwan, who was declared missing after leaving his residence in Offa.
Investigators arrested Mohammed Jamiu, who reportedly had business dealings with the victim involving cattle.
The suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and led detectives to an abandoned well where the victim’s body was recovered.
Five additional suspects were arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend another fleeing suspect and recover the firearm allegedly used.
In its renewed offensive against cult-related violence, the command arrested three suspected members of the Buccaneer Confraternity identified as Oluwafemi Bukoye, Isreal Ogungbile and Adesoye Abdulwarith, popularly known as “Wadolee.”
Police said the suspects admitted membership of the cult group and provided information linking them to recent cult clashes and retaliatory killings in Ilorin, with follow-up operations already underway to apprehend more suspects.
Another suspected cult member, Dayo Sesan, who was transferred to the police by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was allegedly found with two locally made pistols and a live cartridge.
Investigators said he was believed to be a key supplier of locally fabricated firearms to members of the Aiye Confraternity.
Similarly, operatives arrested Ismail Abdulmalik during a patrol in the Sawmill area of Ilorin after allegedly finding him in possession of a locally made pistol.
The Police said his statements have provided fresh intelligence on the movement of illegal firearms among cult groups in the metropolis.
The Command also concluded investigations into the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 55-year-old man, Olarewaju A.
Detectives said the suspect, Soliu Olarewaju, confessed to killing the victim after collecting a ransom from his family.
The suspect allegedly led investigators to where the victim’s remains were buried, while the stolen motorcycle was also recovered.
The case has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
In another breakthrough, two suspects, Mohammad Sanni and Bello Sanni, were arrested after three cattle believed to have been stolen during a 2025 bandit attack on a Fulani settlement in Share were traced to them.
The recovered animals were identified through ownership markings, while investigation is ongoing to recover the remaining cattle stolen during the attack.
The police also arraigned four suspects over the alleged robbery and murder of a livestock owner in Patigi town.
Investigators said the victim was hacked to death while grazing cattle before his motorcycle and N500,000 were stolen.
The Command further confirmed the arrest and prosecution of Sadiat Yunusa over the alleged strangulation of three-year-old Ummaiyat Y. in Kaiama.
According to police, the suspect confessed that the killing was motivated by jealousy arising from a domestic dispute involving her husband’s second wife.
CP Adekimi assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to tackle criminal activities across the state.
“The successes highlighted today are a clear demonstration of the Kwara State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained tactical operations,” he said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that “security remains a shared responsibility.”
The Commissioner added that the command would remain focused on confronting all forms of crime and criminality while preserving peace and public confidence across Kwara State.
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