Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID‑IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command, have arrested two suspected kidnappers and arms couriers during a covert operation along the Omu‑Aran–Oko Road in Kwara State.
The arrests, which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, followed intelligence‑led surveillance targeting bandit supply networks operating within the state.
According to sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters, the operation initially led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier. Subsequent interrogation of the suspect resulted in the capture of an additional notorious kidnapping kingpin in the same axis.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abubakar Mohammed Lawal, a native of Yamatawa village in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State, and Abubakar Manu, from Oro‑Ago village in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
During a search of the suspects, police operatives recovered a black Bagco bag containing items allegedly intended for delivery to bandits hiding in the Oro‑Ago forest in Ifelodun LGA.
Recovered items included:
One military camouflage water bag
One black rechargeable torchlight
One black face cap
Five Baofeng walkie‑talkies (two‑way radios)
The suspects reportedly confessed that the consignment was sent from Jos, Plateau State, and transported through the Kano State Motor Park in Ilorin before their arrest.
They further disclosed that the items were to be delivered to a notorious bandit leader identified as Nagala Danladi, who is said to command more than 300 armed bandits operating in the Oro‑Ago axis of Kwara State.
Information obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that the suspects are members of a larger bandit gang terrorising communities across Kano, Kwara, and Niger states.
They also admitted to doubling as arms and ammunition suppliers for criminal groups operating within the region.