Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested two suspected bandits and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, and other incriminating items during an intelligence-led operation in Baruten Local Government Area, authorities have confirmed. The operation, carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with operatives from the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters, took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, Baruten LGA.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the two suspects were identified as Bello Mohammed, 28, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25. Items recovered from the hideout included two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tyres allegedly used for restraining victims, firearm servicing materials, criminal charms, a dagger, a mobile phone, and a power bank. According to the police, preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a criminal network involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes within the Baruten axis and adjoining communities. During interrogation, one of the suspects 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 a 58-year-old man on Sunday, June 7. The suspect, identified as Umoru Saliu, allegedly provided accommodation and a safe haven for members of the criminal network, including its leaders and other gang members who are currently at large. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts against violent crime. He said the operation reflects the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who has prioritised intelligence-driven policing nationwide.
The Commissioner of Police also commended the officers and men of the Violent Crime Response Unit and the Okuta Divisional Headquarters for their professionalism and effective coordination, which he said contributed to the success of the operation. He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Baruten Local Government Area, particularly the Okuta and Ilesha-Baruba axis, has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnapping and armed banditry in recent months. The recovery of two AK-47 rifles from a hideout in Okuta represents a significant disruption of the criminal network’s operational capability and is expected to improve security in the affected communities. The Kwara State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.
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