Police nab hijab-wearing kidnapper and two others in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three people suspected of being part of a kidnapping group linked to several kidnappings in the state. One of the suspects was caught wearing a hijab and carrying charms.

A team of Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam arrested the suspect, named Aliyu Isiaka, at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026, around 6 pm.

The arrest was announced in a statement from the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin.

The statement said Isiaka, who lives in Ga’a-Kpapa village in Moro Local Government Area, was caught while disguised in female clothes and carrying a bag with different charms.

"The suspect was intercepted while disguised in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms," the statement said.

The police reported that during questioning, Isiaka admitted to being part of a nine-member kidnapping gang. This gang is allegedly led by a man named Juli, who lives at Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and is currently on the run.

According to the statement, Isiaka said he was recruited into the gang in August 2026 and participated in three kidnapping operations at Oloru, Alapa, and Malete. They reportedly collected large ransoms during these kidnappings.

"Following further investigation and operational coordination, a joint team of police personnel and Forest Guards raided the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two more suspects named Seriki and Jebrin.

The arrests brought the total number of suspects caught in connection with this kidnapping group to three. The police mentioned that investigations are still ongoing.

The suspects are undergoing further questioning and will face court after the investigations are complete," the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, called the operation a big step towards breaking down kidnapping networks and improving security in weak communities throughout the state.

Adekimi stressed the command’s promise to continue intelligence-led operations, work closely with other security agencies, and step up the hunt for criminals.

The police said these efforts align with the directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to fight crime and safeguard lives and property in the state.