ILORIN, Nigeria — The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a terrorist and kidnapping gang, including an alleged syndicate leader, Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti.”
Police said the suspects were arrested on June 1 during an intelligence-led raid in the Tabida area of Okuta, in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The operation was carried out by officers attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters and later taken over by the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, police said preliminary investigation identified Abubakar as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be behind several abductions and violent crimes in Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida, Taberu and neighbouring communities.
The command said Abubakar was arrested with three suspected gang members. Investigators are now profiling the suspects to determine their involvement in previous attacks and whether they are connected to other criminal networks operating across the state’s border communities.
According to police, the arrests followed credible intelligence and formed part of a wider offensive against kidnapping, banditry and violent crime in Kwara. The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for what he described as professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency.
The breakthrough comes amid growing security concern in Kwara North, where communities have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups. In April, Nigerian police announced the arrest of 33 suspects linked to the abduction of worshippers from a church in Eruku, as well as other crimes including kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State.
Kwara has also faced fears of extremist expansion from the North-West and border forest areas. Earlier this year, the federal government deployed troops after a deadly attack in Woro village, Kaiama district, which Reuters reported killed about 170 people.
Security analysts say Baruten and other parts of Kwara North are vulnerable because of difficult terrain, porous borders and forest routes that can be exploited by armed groups. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger patrols, faster response to distress calls and improved intelligence gathering.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that further arrests may follow. The command also urged residents to provide timely information on suspicious movements while avoiding rumours that could create panic or undermine security operations.
