Kwara State Police arrest a suspected kidnapping gang member, identified as Sanda Aliyu, on 3 August while he allegedly tries to buy an AK-47 rifle worth ₦1.6 million. Police say the arrest follows actionable intelligence and involves operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Section.
Reports also say Aliyu had negotiated or arranged the arms deal in Kaiama Local Government Area. Premium Times and other outlets state that money had been paid for the weapon before the arrest. Nigerian Eye adds that Aliyu is linked to a suspected arms contact, Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large, and that investigators are tracing other people connected to the transaction.
According to police statements described by the outlets, Aliyu admits paying ₦1.6 million and says the firearm was intended to help him rise in his kidnapping gang before breaking away to form his own group. The Punch reports the police investigation focuses on the broader criminal network. Police indicate they are continuing intelligence-led operations amid heightened concern over kidnappings and violent crime in the state.
