The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to several abductions across the state. One suspect was reportedly caught wearing a hijab and carrying charms in Ilorin.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday. She said Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam apprehended the first suspect, identified as Aliyu Isiaka, at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026.
According to the police, Isiaka lives in Ga’a-Kpapa village in Moro Local Government Area. Officers allegedly intercepted him while he wore female clothing and carried a polythene bag containing assorted charms.
The command said the arrest led investigators to other suspects believed to be connected to the same kidnapping network.
Kwara Kidnapping Suspect Allegedly Confesses to Three Operations
The police said Isiaka admitted during interrogation that he belonged to a nine-member kidnapping gang allegedly led by a man known as Juli.
Investigators identified Juli as a resident of Fulani Camp in Ga’a-Kpapa. He remains at large, according to the statement.
Police alleged that Isiaka joined the group in August 2026 and participated in three kidnapping operations at Oloru, Alapa and Malete.
The statement also claimed that the gang collected substantial ransom payments during the reported operations.
The allegations remain subject to further investigation and judicial proceedings.
Joint Raid Leads to Two More Arrests
Following Isiaka’s arrest, police officers and Forest Guards reportedly coordinated a raid on the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two additional male suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin, according to the police.
The arrests brought the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the alleged network to three.
The command said investigators were continuing their inquiries and would arraign the suspects in court after completing the investigation.
Police Promise More Operations Against Kidnapping
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi described the arrests as an important step towards disrupting kidnapping networks and improving security in vulnerable communities.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger cooperation with other security agencies.
The commissioner also pledged to intensify efforts to track down other suspects linked to criminal activities in the state.
The police said the operations followed directives from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to tackle crime and protect lives and property.
Authorities have yet to announce the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Juli. Police investigations are continuing as the command seeks to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in the reported kidnappings.