Police arrest suspected kidnapper over N1.6m rifle deal

The Kwara State Police have arrested a man named Sanda Aliyu. He is suspected to be part of a kidnapping gang. Aliyu was caught trying to buy an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

Aliyu was arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Section on August 3, 2026. This happened after police received information that he was in talks with another man, Aliyu Mohammed, who is still on the run, to buy the gun.

The police acted quickly on the information. They conducted an operation and caught Aliyu before he could get the rifle.

A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that Aliyu confessed during questioning. He admitted he was trying to buy the gun.

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

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

Investigators are now looking into the transaction. They want to find out who else is involved in this gun deal and how big the criminal network is.

"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," Ejire-Adeyemi noted.

This arrest comes as security agencies are stepping up operations in Kwara State. There have been many kidnappings and violent crimes in some communities recently.

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

Adekimi praised the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. He said the police would keep using their resources to protect the people.

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

He also said that the police would keep working until communities are safe and residents can go about their lives without fear.

The suspect is still in custody as investigations continue. The police are also working to find Mohammed and others linked to this gun deal.