Two suspected bandits have been detained, two AK-47 weapons and other goods have been found, and an alleged facilitator connected to a criminal network operating in the state’s Baruten Local Government Area has been captured, according to the Kwara State Police Command.
This was said in a statement released on Tuesday by Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the state police public relations officer.
The statement claims that the operation was executed on Saturday by members of the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters and the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
Bello Mohammed (28) and Abubakar Mohammed (25) were apprehended as a result of the operation at a suspected criminal hideaway in Okuta, Baruten LGA.
Two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tires purportedly used to confine victims, firearm maintenance supplies, criminal charms, a dagger, a cell phone, and a power bank were among the items found in the hideout.
According to preliminary inquiry, the suspects were connected to a criminal network that reportedly committed violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed attacks, in the Baruten axis and nearby areas.
Abubakar Mohammed admitted to participating in the group’s operations during questioning and said that he had previously lost three fingers due to injuries he received during a run-in with security personnel.
On June 7, 2026, Umoru Saliu, 58, was arrested as a result of further exploitation of the intelligence gathered during the inquiry. According to the statement, “investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly provided accommodations and an enabling environment for members of the criminal network, including its leaders, as well as other gang members who are currently at large.”
Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Disu’s operational orders are reflected in the operation, which Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi termed as a breakthrough in the command’s continuous fight against violent crime.
He added that all suspects will face charges in court after investigations were completed and that attempts were still underway to capture additional gang members who were escaping.
