DERA - Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Sanda Aliyu, for allegedly attempting to purchase an AK-47 rifle worth ₦1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Aliyu was apprehended on August 3, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section after intelligence revealed he was negotiating the arms deal with one Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large.

Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect admitted to paying ₦1.6 million for the weapon. 

He reportedly told investigators that the firearm was intended to help him rise to the rank of “Boss” within his kidnapping gang before breaking away to form his own group.

Ejire-Adeyemi added that detectives are working to identify other individuals linked to the transaction and to uncover the full extent of the criminal network.

The arrest comes amid intensified security operations in Kwara following a surge in kidnappings and violent crimes. 

Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, emphasizing that there would be “no respite in the ongoing offensive.”

Aliyu remains in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to track down Mohammed and other suspected accomplices.

Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users