Police stop kidnapping plan, arrest two Togolese suspects

The police have arrested two foreign nationals in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. They were caught after a kidnapping plan was stopped. The suspects, from the Republic of Togo, had threatened to kidnap a local man unless he paid a ransom of ₦22 million.

The suspects, Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, were taken into custody after S. Ismaila, the victim, reported getting several threatening phone calls. The caller warned that he would be kidnapped and his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, would be killed if the money was not paid.

Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said that the Okuta Police Division worked with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to trace the suspects using technical intelligence. A mobile phone believed to be used for the threatening calls was found with one of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, praised the officers for their quick action and professionalism. He said their quick response prevented a serious security problem. He also promised that the state command would focus on intelligence-led policing and ensure that all members of the criminal gang would be found and prosecuted.

The Commissioner urged residents to stay alert and help security agencies with useful information. He emphasized that support from the public is important for maintaining peace and security in Kwara State.