by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate believed to be operating across parts of the state.
The suspect, identified as Aliu Abubakar, was apprehended on Friday, December 3, at the Oro-Ago Motor Park in Ifelodun Local Government Area after community members raised suspicions about his activities.
According to police sources, Abubakar initially claimed he was travelling to visit a relative, but inconsistencies in his account prompted a search of his mobile phone. Officers reportedly discovered photos of him holding firearms and posing with other armed men, as well as images displaying large bundles of cash suspected to be ransom proceeds.
Under interrogation, Abubakar allegedly confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping operations and confirmed that the money seen in the pictures was shared among gang members.
In a separate operation, police intercepted a courier connected to the same criminal network along the Gbugbu–Patigi road, recovering 100 rounds of live ammunition believed to be destined for kidnappers hiding in the forest.
The command said investigations are ongoing, adding that more arrests are expected as efforts intensify to dismantle the gang.