Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested two suspected bandits and recovered two AK-47 rifles as well as other items in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Adetoun
Ejire-Adeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 said
operatives also apprehended an alleged facilitator, Umoru Saliu, linked to a
criminal network operating in Baruten.
According to the statement, the operation carried out on
June 6, led to the arrest of Bello Mohammed and Abubakar Mohammed at a
suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, Baruten LGA.
The PPRO said investigation linked the suspects to a
criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other
violent crimes within the Baruten axis and adjoining communities.
Ejire-Adeyemi added that further investigation revealed
that Saliu allegedly provided accommodation and for members of the criminal
network, including its leaders.
“A coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Kwara
State Police Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has dealt a
significant setback to criminal elements operating within Baruten Local
Government Area, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits, the recovery of
assault weapons, and the apprehension of a suspected facilitator linked to the
criminal network,” the statement read.
"Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the
VCRU, working in close collaboration with personnel of the Okuta Divisional
Police Headquarters, conducted a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout
in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on 6th June 2026, leading to the
arrest of Bello Mohammed (28) and Abubakar Mohammed (25).
"A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two
AK-47 rifles, sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two
tube tyres allegedly used in restraining victims, firearm servicing materials,
criminal charms, a dagger, one mobile phone, and a power bank.
"Preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a
criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other
violent crimes within the Baruten axis and adjoining communities.
"During interrogation, Abubakar Mohammed confessed
to his involvement in the group's activities and disclosed that he had
previously sustained injuries during an encounter with security operatives,
resulting in the loss of three fingers.
"Further exploitation of intelligence generated
during the investigation led to the arrest of one Umoru Saliu (58) on 7th June
2026.
"Investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly
provided accommodation and an enabling environment for members of the criminal
network, including its leaders as well as other gang members who are currently
at large.
"The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP
Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the
Command's sustained offensive against violent crime.
"He noted that the success reflects the
effectiveness of the operational strategies and directives of the
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, aimed at
strengthening internal security, combating violent crime, and dismantling
criminal networks across the country.
"Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing
suspects and dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network.
“All suspects found culpable will be charged to court
upon the conclusion of investigations.”
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