The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a man believed to be a key member of a kidnapping gang operating in parts of the state.
The suspect, Aliu Abubakar, was arrested on Friday, December 3, at the Oro-Ago Motor Park in Ifelodun Local Government Area, following a tip from members of the community.
Police sources said the man first told officers he was on his way to visit a relative, but his story did not add up. When officers checked his phone, they found pictures of him holding a gun and posing with other armed men. They also found photos showing bundles of cash, which the police believe are ransom payments from kidnapped victims.
During questioning, Abubakar reportedly admitted taking part in several kidnapping operations and said the money seen in the pictures was shared among members of the gang.
In a related operation, police also arrested a courier linked to the same gang along the Gbugbu–Patigi road and recovered 100 rounds of live ammunition meant for the kidnappers in the forest.
The police said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.
