The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime, arresting 16 suspects and recovering weapons and other items linked to criminal activities across the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on May 2, 2026, via the command’s official platform, detailing a series of coordinated operations carried out in April targeting criminal networks.
According to the police, items recovered include 98 rounds of ammunition—made up of assault and AK-47 rounds—along with other live ammunition, locally fabricated firearms such as a shotgun, pistol, and revolver rifle, a Toyota Matrix vehicle, and several mobile devices.
In a separate operation, police operatives engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel during a rescue mission at Apata Aje settlement.
The command explained that the operation followed intelligence reports that armed men attacked the community late on April 28 and abducted two residents.
A joint team of police officers and forest guards was deployed, leading to a confrontation with the suspects in the bush.
“During The Exchange Of Gunfire, One Suspected Bandit Was Neutralised, While Others Escaped With Gunshot Injuries,” The Statement Said.
Additional items recovered at the scene included live cartridges, expended ammunition, mobile phones, and suspected charms believed to be used by the criminal group.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims and track down fleeing members of the gang.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and will continue operations until those responsible are brought to justice.
