Police nab kidnapper over N1.6m gun deal in Kwara

A suspected kidnapper, Sanda Aliyu, has been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command. He was caught trying to buy an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Aliyu was picked up by the Anti-Kidnapping Section on August 3, 2026. This happened after police got tips that he was negotiating with Aliyu Mohammed, who is still on the run, to buy the gun.

The police acted quickly on the information and arrested Aliyu before he received the weapon.

In a statement on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said Aliyu confessed during questioning that he was trying to buy the gun.

"The suspect voluntarily admitted his involvement in the transaction and disclosed that N1.6m had already been paid towards the purchase of the rifle.

"He further revealed that the purpose of acquiring the firearm was to enable him to rise to the position of a 'Boss' within his current kidnapping gang, before ultimately breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal gang," Ejire-Adeyemi said.

Investigators are now looking deeper into the deal to figure out who else was involved in the gun purchase and understand the wider criminal network.

"The ongoing investigation is expected to provide further leads into the circumstances surrounding the attempted acquisition, identify other persons connected with the illicit arms transaction, establish the full extent of the network, and unravel the broader criminal activities associated with the gang," she added.

This arrest comes at a time when security agencies are ramping up operations in Kwara State. There have been several kidnappings and violent crimes in some areas.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reacted to the arrest. He assured residents that the police would keep up their intelligence-led operations against criminals in the state.

Adekimi also mentioned the strategic policing direction from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. He said the command would continue to use all lawful intelligence and resources to keep the people safe.

"There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements," the CP said.

He also stated that the police would keep their operations going until communities in the state are safe enough for residents to go about their daily lives without fear.

The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. Efforts are ongoing to catch Mohammed and find others linked to the attempted gun deal.