From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cattle rustling and other violent crimes, leading to the arrest of several suspects, the recovery of firearms, stolen property and the rescue of a kidnapped woman.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ilorin the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing and proactive security operations in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
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According to the police commissioner, the operations reflect the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Kwara State.
“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,” Adekimi said.
Among the major arrests was that of three teenagers intercepted along the Oko-Olowo/Alapa road while conveying a large quantity of mobile phones and electronic accessories suspected to be stolen. Police recovered 19 cartons of i17 Air Flip and Air Pro Flip phones, five used iPhones, Samsung Fold, Redmi, Tecno and Itel phones, power banks, wristwatches and a portable speaker. The suspects reportedly failed to provide documents proving ownership and have been remanded at a juvenile correctional centre.
The command also recorded a breakthrough in the July 15 kidnapping of 26-year-old Shekinat Mukaila at Wande Community in Ora Kingdom. During the attack, her father, the Baale of the community, was shot while resisting the kidnappers.
Police said intelligence gathered during investigations led to the arrest of Aliyu Mohammed, who allegedly facilitated the operation of the kidnappers. The victim was later rescued unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
In another operation, officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested 30-year-old Haruna Rabiu, alleged to be a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating around the forests linking Landaji and Ndeji in Patigi Local Government Area. Investigators said the suspect provided useful information on the activities of the gang, while three mobile phones recovered from him are undergoing forensic analysis.
The police also uncovered the alleged murder of 29-year-old Sulaiman Riliwan, who disappeared after leaving his residence in Offa. Detectives arrested Mohammed Jamiu, who reportedly had business dealings with the deceased. According to the police, his confession led investigators to an abandoned well where the victim’s body was recovered. Five additional suspects were subsequently arrested, while efforts continue to arrest another fleeing suspect and recover the firearm allegedly used in the crime.
As part of efforts to curb cult-related violence, police arrested Oluwafemi Bukoye, Isreal Ogungbile and Adesoye Abdulwarith, popularly known as “Wadolee.” The suspects allegedly confessed to belonging to the Buccaneer Confraternity and provided information on recent cult clashes and killings within Ilorin metropolis. Follow-up operations are underway to arrest other members of the group.
Another suspect, Dayo Sesan, allegedly linked to the Aiye Confraternity, was found in possession of two locally made pistols and a live cartridge after his case was transferred from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Police alleged that he supplied firearms to cult members involved in violent attacks across Ilorin.
The command equally concluded investigations into the kidnapping and murder of a 55-year-old man identified as Olarewaju A. Police said Soliu Mojeeb Olarewaju confessed to killing the victim after collecting a negotiated ransom of N120,000 from the victim’s family. Detectives later recovered the victim’s motorcycle and exhumed his remains following a court order. The case has been forwarded to the Kwara State Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
In another development, police arrested Mohammad Sanni and Bello Sanni in connection with a cattle rustling syndicate. The suspects were allegedly found in possession of three cattle traced to about 400 cattle stolen during a bandit attack on a Fulani settlement at Fejewe Camp near Share in September 2025. Investigations are continuing to recover the remaining livestock and dismantle the wider criminal network.
Four suspects – Ahmed Alhaji Ahmadu, Abubakar Mohammed, Mustapha Mohammed and Mohammed Tsado – have also been arraigned in court over the alleged robbery and murder of a livestock herder who was attacked while grazing animals in Patigi. Police said the victim was hacked to death with machetes before his motorcycle and N500,000 were stolen.
Operatives of the Commissioner’s Surveillance Team also arrested Ismail Abdulmalik along the Sawmill area of Ilorin with a locally made pistol. Investigators alleged that the suspect is a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided intelligence on the illegal movement of firearms among cult groups.
The police further disclosed that a woman, Sadiat Yunusa, has been charged to court for allegedly strangling a three-year-old girl, Ummaiyat Y, to death in Kaiama. Investigators said the suspect confessed that the act was driven by jealousy arising from family disputes involving her husband.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven policing and appealed to residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
“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,” Adekimi said.
He added, “Security remains a shared responsibility. I therefore urge residents of Kwara State to remain vigilant and continue to partner with the Police by reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities promptly.”
