Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate, Muhamodu Sanni, while he allegedly attempted to withdraw ransom money at a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal in Kwara State.
The arrest is part of an ongoing intelligence-driven operation targeting kidnappers and their support networks operating around the Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the breakthrough followed investigations launched after three residents were abducted during an armed attack on Obudu Village on July 28, 2026.
Rather than focusing solely on the crime scene, police investigators expanded their operation to track the communication, logistics and financial networks allegedly used by the kidnappers.
The statement said the strategy paid off when intelligence gathered from the ransom transaction led operatives to Sanni, who was intercepted while allegedly trying to withdraw proceeds from the ransom payment.
“The sustained offensive of the Kwara State Police Command against kidnapping has recorded another significant breakthrough, as intelligence-led operations successfully penetrated the support structure of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area, culminating in the arrest of Muhamodu Sanni while allegedly attempting to cash out ransom proceeds linked to a recent abduction.
“The breakthrough followed the activation of the command’s intelligence and tactical architecture after three persons were abducted during an armed invasion of Obudu Village on 28th July, 2026.
“Rather than limit operational efforts to the immediate scene of the attack, investigators widened the scope of investigation to the communication, logistics and financial channels sustaining the criminal operation.
“This strategy yielded results when intelligence surrounding the ransom transaction was successfully exploited, leading operatives to Muhamodu Sanni, who was intercepted at a Point-of-Sale (POS) location while allegedly attempting to withdraw ransom proceeds connected with the abduction,” the statement read.»
Police said Sanni cooperated with investigators after his arrest and allegedly provided valuable information about the criminal network.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect identified two other alleged members of the syndicate, identified as Aminu and Umar, during interrogation.
“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily cooperated with investigators and made useful disclosures concerning his role in the ransom collection process.
“He also provided information regarding other members of the syndicate, including two suspects identified as Aminu and Umar.
“The disclosures have further strengthened the intelligence picture of the network and provided additional operational leads that are being discreetly exploited.”
The command said investigations are ongoing as security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the kidnapping network.
