The Kwara State Police Command has intensified its fight against crime by arresting nine suspects in various operations across the state, including three linked to the possession of 98 rounds of live ammunition hidden in a bag of garri, and six others accused of cultism, kidnapping, and ritual-related offenses. These arrests were disclosed by the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, during a press briefing highlighting recent security breakthroughs in the last two months. The operations targeted criminal networks operating along major highways and within communities, underscoring the command’s commitment to restoring public safety.
One of the most significant arrests occurred on April 10, 2026, along Ajase-Ipo Road, where police intercepted an unregistered Toyota Previa vehicle entering Kwara State from Kogi State. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 98 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a bag of garri. Three suspects were linked to the incident, and authorities revealed that one of them received N1.3 million to procure the ammunition. Police are actively pursuing other members of the syndicate who fled the scene.
In another case, two suspected cultists, Lukman Abdul-Salam (alias “Ijaya”) and Aliu Ismaila (alias “Gambia”), were apprehended in Odota, Ilorin, following a shop breaking incident where goods worth approximately N2.5 million were stolen. Although they denied involvement in the theft, they admitted to being members of the Eiye cult confraternity. Police recovered an empty AK-47 magazine from their residence, raising concerns about their potential links to more serious criminal activities.
Additionally, two more suspects—Fabiyi Benson Seyi and Sodiq Rasheed—were arrested in the Ganmo area after a distress call led to the recovery of a locally fabricated cut-to-size shotgun and a live cartridge. Both are confirmed members of a cult group known for terrorizing the community. In a separate incident, a 29-year-old man, Umaru Aliu, was intercepted during a routine patrol along the Oroago axis. He was found in possession of multiple phone chargers, mobile phones, a POS machine, and other personal effects. His inconsistent account of his movements has raised suspicion, and he is currently under investigation for possible involvement in kidnapping.
The command also confirmed the arrest of Hamza Woru in Kaiama for unlawfully possessing a human skull. Investigations revealed that he allegedly exhumed the remains of a deceased female relative for ritual purposes and attempted to sell the skull before being apprehended. His accomplice remains at large. The case has been formally charged to court under the Kwara State law prohibiting dealings in human parts.
Commissioner Ojo urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information, emphasizing that “security is a collective responsibility.” He assured the public that the police will continue to dismantle criminal networks and maintain peace across Kwara State. These operations reflect a sustained effort to curb violence and restore confidence in the state’s security framework.
Leave a Comment