Kwara State Police Command operatives have foiled an attempt to procure an AK-47 rifle for a kidnapping operation, arresting a suspected gang member in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Sanda Aliyu, was apprehended by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section following intelligence on an ongoing arms transaction. Police said the arrest occurred before the firearm could be delivered, disrupting a planned acquisition that investigators believe was intended to strengthen the group’s operational capacity.
According to the Command, Aliyu had been negotiating with another suspect, Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large, to purchase the weapon. Investigators allege that 1.6 million had already been paid toward the deal when security operatives intervened.
During interrogation, Aliyu reportedly admitted his involvement and disclosed his motives. Police Spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement that the suspect confessed he sought the rifle to ascend to a leadership position — referred to as “Boss” — within his existing kidnapping gang. He further revealed plans to eventually break away and establish his own criminal network.
The Command said the investigation has been expanded to trace the source of the funds used in the transaction, identify the intended supplier, and uncover the full circumstances surrounding the planned acquisition. Mohammed, alleged to have been brokering the sale, is being actively pursued.
Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi affirmed that the Command would sustain its offensive against criminal elements across the state. “There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements,” Ojo said, emphasizing the continued deployment of intelligence and operational resources to protect communities.
The Commissioner urged residents to provide actionable information that could assist security agencies in detecting arms trafficking, kidnapping plots, and other criminal activities before they are executed.
