Police arrest two suspected bandits, recover AK-47 rifles in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command says its operatives have arrested two suspected bandits, recovered two AK-47 rifles and other items, and apprehended an alleged facilitator linked to a criminal network operating in Baruten Local Government Area of the state. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state police public relations officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. According to the statement, the operation was carried out on June 6, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with personnel of the Okuta Divisional Police Headquarters. The operation led to the arrest of Bello Mohammed (28) and Abubakar Mohammed (25) at a suspected criminal hideout in Okuta, Baruten LGA. Items recovered from the hideout included two AK-47 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two cutlasses, two tube tyres allegedly used in restraining victims, firearm servicing materials, criminal charms, a dagger, a mobile phone and a power bank. Related News Police arrest two armed robbery suspects in Adamawa Woman fakes own kidnap, found in Delta hotel with lover Police rescue abducted six-year-old boy, arrest suspect in Borno “Preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a criminal network allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes within the Baruten axis and adjoining communities. “During interrogation, Abubakar Mohammed confessed to his involvement in the group’s activities and disclosed that he had previously sustained injuries during an encounter with security operatives, resulting in the loss of three fingers. “Further exploitation of intelligence generated during the investigation led to the arrest of one Umoru Saliu (58) on 7th June 2026. Investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly provided accommodation and an enabling environment for members of the criminal network, including its leaders as well as other gang members who are currently at large,” the statement read. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts against violent crime, adding that it reflects the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, adding that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging re