Suspect linked to abduction ring taken into custody for allegedly buying assault rifle with N1.6m in Kwara state

A suspected member of a kidnapping gang, Sanda Aliyu, has been apprehended by the Kwara State Police Command for allegedly planning to buy an AK-47 rifle for N1.6m in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

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This arrest was made by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section on August 3, 2026, following credible intelligence that Aliyu was in negotiations with Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently evading capture, for the procurement of the firearm.

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Acting swiftly on the intelligence, police detectives launched an operation and took Aliyu into custody before the rifle could be delivered to him.

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According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement released on Thursday, Aliyu confessed during questioning that he was indeed involved in the attempted arms deal.

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Aliyu admitted that N1.6m had already been paid for the rifle and revealed that his goal in acquiring the firearm was to elevate his status to a 'Boss' within his current kidnapping gang, with the ultimate aim of breaking away to form and lead his own criminal gang.

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The police have commenced further investigations to verify the details of the transaction and identify other individuals connected to the attempted purchase, as well as to determine the scope of the criminal network involved.

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The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attempted acquisition, identify other persons connected to the illicit arms deal, and expose the full extent of the network and its associated criminal activities.

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The arrest comes at a time when security agencies in parts of Kwara State have heightened their operations in response to a series of kidnappings and violent crimes in some communities.

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In reaction to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command will maintain its intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements across the state.

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Adekimi acknowledged the strategic policing direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and stated that the command will continue to utilize its available intelligence and operational resources to protect residents, ensuring that there will be no letup in the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements.

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The police command will sustain its operations until all communities in the state are secure and residents can go about their daily activities without fear, according to Adekimi.

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Aliyu remains in police custody as the investigation continues, while efforts are underway to apprehend Mohammed and identify other individuals allegedly connected to the attempted arms transaction.