The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang, Sanda Aliyu, over an alleged attempt to purchase an AK-47 rifle for ₦1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. The arrest followed intelligence gathered by police on the suspected transaction.

Police said the development is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal network operating in the area. Aliyu was reportedly apprehended while attempting to facilitate the purchase of the rifle, which authorities believe was intended to support kidnapping activities.

The command is continuing its investigation to establish Aliyu’s alleged role in the gang and identify other individuals connected to the planned acquisition of the weapon. Police are also working to determine the wider activities of the suspected criminal network.

The arrest comes amid intensified security operations in Kwara, where authorities have recently carried out several actions against suspected kidnappers and their associates. The police have continued to urge residents to provide information that could assist efforts to disrupt criminal networks and prevent further attacks.