The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang for allegedly attempting to acquire an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Sanda Aliyu, was apprehended on August 3, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section following intelligence about an alleged attempt to procure the firearm.
According to the police in a statement on Thursday, Aliyu was negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently at large, for the purchase of the rifle when detectives moved in and arrested him before the weapon could be delivered.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, saying the suspect admitted his involvement in the attempted arms transaction during interrogation.
The police spokesperson said Aliyu revealed that N1.6 million had already been paid for the rifle.
She added that the suspect allegedly intended to use the firearm to rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang before eventually breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal group.
“Further verification of the transaction is ongoing to establish the identities of other individuals connected with the attempted purchase and determine the extent of the criminal network,” the statement said.
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The command said the investigation would also focus on identifying other persons linked to the alleged arms deal and uncovering the wider criminal activities of the gang.
The arrest comes as security agencies intensify operations across parts of Kwara State following reports of kidnappings and other violent crimes in some communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command would continue its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the state.
Adekimi, while commending the strategic policing direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said available lawful intelligence and operational resources would continue to be deployed to protect residents.
“There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements,” the CP said.
He assured residents that the police would sustain their operations until communities across the state were adequately secured and residents could conduct their daily activities without fear.
Aliyu remains in police custody as investigations continue, while security operatives are making efforts to arrest Mohammed and track down other individuals allegedly connected to the attempted purchase of the firearm.