Kwara Police Crack Down on Criminal Gangs, Recover Weapons, Stolen Goods in Statewide Operation

By Bamidele Aremu
The Kwara State Police Command has launched an aggressive campaign to dismantle criminal networks and combat violent crimes across the state.
In a series of coordinated operations, the law enforcement agency arrested multiple individuals connected to murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and theft, recovering weapons, stolen goods, and other illicit items in the process.
At a press conference held at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin on Saturday , the Kwara state Commissioner of Police, Adekinmi Ojo, detailed the outcomes of the extensive operations and emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
“These operations reflect our unwavering dedication to protecting Kwara State from criminal elements. We remain aligned with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, which focuses on intelligence-led and community-based policing.
“We will not rest in our mission to rid Kwara of criminality. Our officers are resolute in ensuring justice is served with the utmost diligence and integrity,” the Commissioner said.
One of the most chilling cases involved the discovery of a murdered farm laborer in Baruten Local Government Area. CP Ojo revealed that Halidu Yakubu, a resident of Taberu Village, reported the disappearance of a farm worker named Gunu.
The decomposing body of the victim was later discovered buried on a farmland owned by Haruna Umar, who, along with his accomplice Aminu Gona, has confessed to the crime. A third suspect, identified only as “Focus, ” is still on the run.
In another heart-wrenching case, the body of a two-month-old baby, Adam Tahiru, was found in a well after being reported missing in Ilorin. Eight individuals have been arrested and are currently undergoing intense questioning as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s tragic death.
CP Ojo also reported the arrest of Yakubu Garba, a notorious kidnapper, who was captured in Ajase-Ipo by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and five live rounds of ammunition.
“This marks a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping in Kwara. The Command is also investigating the diversion of ₦8 million worth of cement meant for delivery in Ilorin. The suspect, Bashiru Suleiman, allegedly impersonated a client and coordinated the fraudulent operation that led to the disappearance of a BUA Cement truck. The truck was later recovered, but the cement had already been offloaded. Efforts to arrest the driver and his assistant are ongoing,” Ojo Stated.
In Kaiama, a group of armed suspects was intercepted by local vigilantes, who discovered a locally made pistol, three dynamite explosives, and a paramilitary-style jacket in their possession.
These individuals are now in custody with the Intelligence Response Team in Abuja, where investigations are underway to determine whether they are linked to larger terrorist or kidnapping networks.
Also under investigation is the violent attack on the farm of Alhaji Kazeem in Oreke, where he was murdered and his two sons kidnapped. Five suspects have been arrested, and CP Ojo assured the public that efforts to free the victims and dismantle the syndicate responsible for the attack are ongoing.
The police further arrested Habeeb Alhaji Sheu, who is suspected of burgling a house in Ilorin, where they recovered 16 stolen mattresses. Six of these mattresses have been confirmed as property of the burglary victim.
Additionally, four individuals—Danjuma Abubakar, Alkassim Abubakar, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Mohammed Awal—were apprehended in connection with a robbery incident in Tanke, Ilorin. A motorcycle used during the escape, electrical cables, weapons, and industrial gas cylinders were recovered from the suspects.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to the police. Together, we can build safer communities,” CP Ojo appealed.
The Commissioner affirmed that all suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are completed, emphasizing the police’s commitment to bringing justice to victims of these crimes.