By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
THE Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected terrorists, including their gang leader, Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” who is believed to have kidnapped several individuals in the northern part of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, who disclosed this in a press statement released late Wednesday evening, said the suspects were arrested on Monday in the Tabida area of Okuta, located in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to the statement: “The Kwara State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.”
It added that, “On June 1, 2026, operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspicious persons believed to be involved in criminal activities during a routine raid operation within the Tabida area of Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
“Following the arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the command for detailed investigation and profiling.
“Preliminary investigation by the VCRU led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, alias ‘Manti’, as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities. He was arrested alongside three other members of his gang.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations.”
The recovery, the statement added, represents a significant disruption of the group’s operational capability and a major step toward restoring public safety within the affected areas.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are providing investigators with useful information that will aid in identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network. Efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and bring all those connected with the crimes to justice,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police also commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational efficiency of the officers and men of the Violent Crime Response Unit and other supporting formations whose collaborative efforts led to the success.
The command further assured residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations, while all available resources are being deployed to ensure the continued safety of lives and property throughout the state.
“The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. They will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations,” the statement concluded.
