The Kwara State Police Command has successfully thwarted two kidnap attempts and arrested four suspected kidnappers in separate operations across the state.
According to the police, the breakthrough occurred on January 9 and 15, 2025, when officers tracked and apprehended the suspects at different locations in Share, Ifelodun LGA, and Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten LGA.
The spokesperson for the command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, revealing that the police not only saved the victims but also prevented them from paying a combined ransom of ₦9 million.
First Kidnap Attempt – Ifelodun LGA (January 9, 2025)
The police launched an intelligence-led operation following a report from two residents of Ifelodun LGA, who had received threatening calls and messages demanding a ₦5 million ransom to avoid being kidnapped.
Detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad tracked the suspects and arrested Umar Sanni of Tarshan Girgi, Wushishi, Niger State. His confession led to the arrest of Dairu Isiaku of Iyana Share, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.
The suspects admitted to their roles in the crime, including identifying potential victims and sending extortion threats. Both have since been charged to court and remanded in custody.
Second Kidnap Attempt – Ilesha-Baruba (January 15, 2025)
On January 15, a resident of Ajuba Fulani Camp, Ilesha-Baruba, found a white paper at his doorstep with two phone numbers. When he called one of the numbers, the person on the line threatened to abduct him and his family unless he paid a ₦20 million ransom—later reduced to ₦4 million after negotiations.
The victim quickly alerted the police, leading to a covert operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, which tracked the phone numbers and arrested Tukur Muhammad and Yahaya Abdullahi.
Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to strategically leaving their contact details at the victim’s residence to initiate ransom negotiations. Further investigations revealed that they had been using multiple phone numbers to issue threats and extort victims.
Both suspects have been charged to court and remanded in a state correctional facility.
The Kwara State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and warned criminals to steer clear of the state.
