The arrested suspects... Credit: Kwara State Police Command
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to multiple abductions in the state, including a man intercepted while wearing a hijab and carrying charms.
A team of Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam arrested the suspect, identified as Aliyu Isiaka, at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026, at about 6 pm.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin.
The statement said Isiaka, a resident of Ga’a-Kpapa village in Moro Local Government Area, was intercepted while disguised in female attire and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms.
“The suspect was intercepted while disguised in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms,” the statement read.
The police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to being a member of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly led by one Juli, who resides at Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and is currently at large.
According to the statement, Isiaka disclosed that he was recruited into the gang in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations at Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where substantial ransom payments were allegedly collected.
“Following further investigation and operational coordination, a joint team of police personnel and Forest Guards raided the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two additional male suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.
“The arrests brought the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the alleged kidnapping network to three, while the police said investigations were ongoing.
“The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring security in vulnerable communities across the state.
Adekimi reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations, strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and intensifying the pursuit of criminal suspects.
The police said the measures align with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to tackle criminal activities and protect lives and property across the state.