By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
ILORIN, KWARA STATE — The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and banditry with the arrest of alleged kidnap kingpin Umar Yabani, popularly known as “Yabo,” alongside nine other suspected criminals during coordinated security operations across the state.
The intelligence-driven operations, conducted in Ilorin, Edu, Ifelodun, and Baruten Local Government Areas, led to the dismantling of a suspected kidnapping syndicate linked to several abductions and violent crimes within Kwara State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began following the abduction of a resident in the Agbeyangi area of Ilorin on May 28, 2026.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of Surajo Abubakar, whose alleged involvement provided investigators with vital information that led to the capture of the syndicate’s suspected leader, Umar Yabani (Yabo).
Two additional suspects, Isah A. Sule and Umar Sani, were also apprehended during the operation.
Security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one pump-action gun from the suspects.
Further investigations and follow-up operations carried out in collaboration with Forest Guards and local vigilante groups led to the arrest of three more suspects identified as Bello Alhaji Maidabo (25), Shehu Malami (23), and Riskuwa Babuga (18) in a forest near Tsaragi.
A locally fabricated firearm loaded with two live cartridges was recovered during the operation.
The police revealed that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to multiple kidnapping incidents across Ilorin East, Edu, Ifelodun, and neighboring communities.
In a separate operation carried out on June 6, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and personnel of the Okuta Divisional Headquarters raided a suspected criminal hideout in Baruten Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of Bello Mohammed (28) and Abubakar Mohammed (25).
A search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two cutlasses, criminal charms, a dagger, mobile phones, and other items allegedly used in criminal activities.
During interrogation, police said one of the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in kidnapping and armed attacks within the area.
Investigations further led to the arrest of Umoru Saliu (58), who was accused of providing shelter and logistical support to members of the criminal network.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant success in the command’s ongoing campaign against violent crimes and criminal networks.
He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing gang members and rescue any victims who may still be in captivity.
The Police Command urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to enhance security across the state.
All suspects found culpable will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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