The Kwara State Police Command has rescued an abducted victim and dismantled a notorious kidnap gang in a decisive operation that led to the neutralization of one suspect and the arrest of two others.
Spokesperson for the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ilorin, highlighting the swift action taken by security operatives.
According to the statement, security agencies received intelligence on March 1, 2025, at about 7:06 a.m. regarding the abduction of Sule Saidu, a resident of Ahuro Fulani Camp. The victim had been seized by five armed men on the night of February 28. Acting on the tip-off, a joint team comprising police detectives, local hunters, and vigilantes tracked the gang to the Babanla-Oreke axis, where they were intercepted.
“The criminals engaged our operatives in a fierce gun duel, but our team overpowered them. One of the abductors was neutralized, while two others, Ibrahim Shehu, 40, and Mohammed Lawal, 25, were captured. The remaining two fled with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle and criminal charms from the gang. However, the two injured suspects succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Commending the bravery of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining security efforts. “We appreciate the dedication of our officers, as well as the hunters and vigilantes who played a crucial role in this operation. Security remains our top priority,” the statement added.
The command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more firearms. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
