The Kwara State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
According to a statement issued and signed by Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer, on June 1, 2026, operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspicious individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities during a routine raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for detailed investigation and profiling.
“Preliminary investigations led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, popularly known as ‘Manti’, as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate suspected to be responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara North Senatorial District, particularly within Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities.
“Further intelligence-driven investigations resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out its operations. This recovery represents a significant disruption of the syndicate’s operational capacity and marks a major step toward enhancing security and restoring public confidence in the affected communities”, she explained. Related News Andoni Iraola appointed new Liverpool head coach Outgoing APC governors head for high-stakes senatorial battles Alia boosts Benue food security scheme with 50% fertiliser subsidy
