From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command, has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks, including the interception of illegal ammunition concealed in a bag of garri, arrests of suspected kidnappers, cultists, and a suspect linked to human parts trade.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, said the command remains “resolute, proactive, and unrelenting” in its mandate to safeguard lives and property across the state.
He noted that recent operations driven by intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies have yielded significant successes, sending a strong signal that criminal elements have no hiding place in Kwara.
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Among the key operations highlighted was the interception of a suspicious vehicle along Ajase-Ipo Road on April 10.
According to the police boss, operatives of Operation Harmony recovered 98 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside a bag of garri.
“The vehicle, coming from Kogi State, was flagged due to its suspicious appearance. A thorough search led to the discovery of ammunition carefully concealed to evade detection,” Adekimi said
He disclosed that one Umar Abdulmumeen, was arrested as a key facilitator in the illegal arms deal, adding that investigations revealed he received N1.3 million to procure the ammunition from an accomplice currently at large.
In a separate operation, the police arrested two suspects, Lukman Abdul-Salam, also known as “Ijaya,” and Aliu Ismaila, alias “Gambia,” over a shop-breaking incident in the Odota area of Ilorin.
Goods worth about N2.5 million were reportedly stolen during the incident. Although the suspects denied involvement in the theft, they admitted being members of the Eiye confraternity.
“A search of their residence led to the recovery of an empty AK-47 magazine, raising further suspicion about their involvement in other criminal activities,” the commissioner stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing suspects.
Similarly, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested two suspected cultists in Ganmo following a distress call. The suspects, identified as Fabiyi Benson Seyi and Sodiq Rasheed, were found in possession of a locally made shotgun and a live cartridge.
Adekimi said the suspects are members of a notorious cult group terrorising the area, noting that further investigations are underway.
In another development, a 29-year-old suspect, Umaru Aliu, was intercepted during a routine patrol along the Oroago axis with several suspicious items, including multiple phone chargers, mobile devices, and a POS machine.
“The suspect gave inconsistent explanations about his movement, which raised suspicion. Investigation is ongoing to determine his possible link to kidnapping activities,” the police boss explained.
In a disturbing case, the command also arrested one Hamza Woru, for unlawful possession of a human skull. The suspect was apprehended after attempting to sell the skull, which was later traced to a grave he allegedly exhumed in Kaiama.
“Investigation revealed that the skull belonged to a deceased family member buried earlier this year. The suspect and his accomplice exhumed the corpse and removed the skull for ritual purposes,” Adekimi said, noting that the accomplice remains at large.
He assured residents that the command has intensified patrols, surveillance, and intelligence operations to sustain the current tempo against crime.
“These successes demonstrate that we are not just reacting to crime but actively preventing and dismantling criminal networks,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information, stressing that “security is a collective responsibility.”
