The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang, Sanda Aliyu, for allegedly attempting to purchase an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
Aliyu was arrested on August 3, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section following intelligence that he was negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently at large, to obtain the firearm.
According to the command, detectives moved swiftly on the intelligence and arrested Aliyu before the weapon could be delivered.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
She said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he was involved in the attempted arms transaction.
The PPRO quoted Aliyu as saying that N1.6 million had already been paid for the rifle.
«“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.”»
Ejire-Adeyemi added that the suspect allegedly intended to use the firearm to advance his position within the kidnapping gang before eventually forming and leading his own criminal group.
«“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,” she said.»
The police said investigators had commenced further verification to identify other persons linked to the attempted purchase and determine the wider activities of the suspected criminal network.
The command also said efforts were ongoing to arrest Mohammed, who allegedly negotiated the sale of the rifle with Aliyu.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command would continue its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the state.
Adekimi said the police would deploy available lawful intelligence and operational resources to protect residents and communities.
«“There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements,” the commissioner said.»
He added that the command would sustain its operations until residents could carry out their daily activities without fear.
The police said Aliyu remains in custody as investigations continue into the alleged arms transaction and the activities of the suspected kidnapping gang.
