Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued a 26-year-old woman, Shekinat Mukaila, who was abducted from the Wande Community in Ora Kingdom on July 15, 2026, in an operation that also saw the arrest of a key suspect linked to the kidnapping syndicate. The victim's father, the Baale (community leader) of the community, was shot while attempting to resist the abduction and has since been discharged from hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, disclosed these developments while briefing journalists on Friday, July 31, 2026, detailing several intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists, cattle rustlers and murder suspects across different parts of the state. According to the police, the incident occurred when armed hoodlums invaded Wande Community under Ora Kingdom and abducted Miss Shekinat Mukaila, while her father, the Baale of the community, was shot during an attempt to resist the attackers.
CP Adekimi said police immediately activated tactical and intelligence teams, deploying operatives to the community to secure the crime scene, recover exhibits and launch a comprehensive investigation. "The injured Baale was promptly evacuated to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where he received medical attention and has since been discharged," the police commissioner said. The investigation led to the arrest of Aliyu Mohammed, who police alleged facilitated the activities of the kidnappers. Investigators also identified and analysed communication channels used by the criminal syndicate during ransom negotiations, generating critical intelligence that enabled security operatives to intensify targeted operations. The police said the intelligence-driven operations eventually led to the successful rescue of Shekinat Mukaila without injuries. According to the Command, efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.
In another operation, police operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working with officers in Patigi, arrested Haruna Rabiu, 30, on July 14, 2026. The suspect was allegedly apprehended while monitoring an area bordering Landaji and Ndeji forests in the Patigi axis, where he was allegedly preparing for criminal activities. Police described him as a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to the Auta Ilorin kidnapping network. During interrogation, Rabiu reportedly provided intelligence concerning the structure, operational methods and membership of the criminal network, including information on affiliated armed groups operating within forest corridors. Three mobile phones recovered from him are undergoing forensic examination to obtain additional evidence and generate more operational leads. The police said the intelligence obtained has significantly advanced investigations aimed at dismantling the kidnapping network and arresting other fleeing members.
The Command also announced the arrest of six suspects over the disappearance and murder of Sulaiman Riliwan, 29, who was declared missing after leaving his residence in Offa on July 26, 2026. Police identified the suspects as: Mohammed Jamiu, 35, Fashola Abdulfatai, 19, Daniel Gideon, 24, Adegoke Oladimeji, 25, Aliyu Yusuf, 26 and Abubakar Ahmed, 55. According to the police, investigations commenced after a report was received on July 28 regarding Riliwan's disappearance. Detectives established that Mohammed Jamiu, who had a business relationship with the victim involving cattle, was the last known person to have contact with him before he disappeared.
The successful rescue of Shekinat Mukaila and the arrest of Aliyu Mohammed mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Kwara State. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence-led operations and community collaboration in tackling violent crimes across the state. As investigations continue, the Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The Baale of Wande Community, who was shot while defending his daughter, has since been discharged from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and is recovering from his injuries.
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