Police Foil N1.6m AK-47 Deal, Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang, identified as Sanda Aliyu, over an alleged attempt to purchase an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. Aliyu was arrested on August 3, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section following intelligence that he was negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently at large, to obtain the firearm. Acting on the information, detectives launched an operation and apprehended Aliyu before the weapon could be delivered. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement on Thursday that the suspect admitted his involvement in the transaction during interrogation. He reportedly told investigators that N1.6 million had already been paid for the rifle. According to the police, Aliyu also disclosed that he intended to use the firearm to rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang before eventually leaving to form and lead his own criminal group. The command said investigators have expanded the probe to identify other individuals linked to the attempted arms purchase and establish the wider network behind the transaction. The police said the investigation is expected to provide further information on the circumstances surrounding the planned acquisition, identify other suspects and uncover additional criminal activities associated with the gang. The arrest comes as security agencies intensify operations across parts of Kwara State following a series of kidnappings and other violent crimes in some communities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command would maintain its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements. Adekimi, while acknowledging the policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the command would continue to deploy available lawful intelligence and operational resources to protect residents. “There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements,” the commissioner said. He added that security operations would continue until communities across the state are sufficiently secured and residents can carry out their daily activities without fear. Aliyu remains in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to arrest Mohammed and track down other individuals allegedly connected to the attempted arms transaction.
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