The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers, including a man allegedly caught disguising himself in a hijab while carrying charms in Ilorin.
According to The PUNCH, the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The first suspect, identified as Aliyu Isiaka, was intercepted by Forest Guards at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24.
Police said Isiaka, a resident of Ga’a-Kpapa village in Moro Local Government Area, was allegedly wearing female clothing when security operatives arrested him.
Police uncover suspected kidnapping network
Ejire-Adeyemi explained that the suspect was carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms during his arrest.
“The suspect was intercepted while disguised in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms,” the statement read.
Police alleged that Isiaka confessed during questioning to belonging to a nine-member kidnapping syndicate.
The group was reportedly led by an individual identified as Juli, who remains at large.
According to investigators, Isiaka claimed he joined the gang in August and participated in three kidnapping operations.
The incidents allegedly occurred in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where victims’ families reportedly paid substantial ransoms.
Kwara police arrest two more suspects
Following intelligence gathered during the investigation, police officers and Forest Guards raided a suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25.
The operation led to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.
Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi described the development as an important step towards tackling kidnapping networks across Kwara.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence gathering and cooperation with security agencies.
Police confirmed that the three suspects remained under investigation and would be arraigned upon completion of inquiries.
The command also pledged to intensify efforts to apprehend other suspected members of the network.
