Police arrest abductors of kidnapped Kwara petrol dealer, manager, recover arms
In a significant breakthrough, the Kwara State police command says its operatives have arrested no fewer than six suspects believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate connected to the abduction of popular petrol dealer Alhaji Abbas Daniyan and his manager, Abubakar Issa.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, made this known during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ilorin on Friday, highlighting the police’s recent successes in combating criminal activities within the state.
The suspects, identified as Umar Mohammed, Aliyu Usman, Sidi Sagari, Jemo Isah, Shehu Ibrahim, and Lawal Umar, were apprehended in Gbugbu, a community in Edu Local Government Area, which is known for its proximity to various border towns and criminal hideouts.
“These arrests followed credible intelligence that guided our Anti-Kidnapping Squad, alongside local vigilantes, to raid several locations in Gbugbu where these suspects were hiding,” CP Ojo stated.
The operation’s primary goal was to capture a notorious kidnapping kingpin known as Tambaya, who is currently at large but was reportedly seen in the area with accomplices prior to the operation.
The police recovered a locally made shotgun and a dane gun during the operation, which are believed to have been used in their criminal activities.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the abduction of Alhaji Abbas Daniyan and Abubakar Issa on May 10, 2025.
They admitted to providing operational and logistical support to the main fugitive, Tambaya,” CP Ojo further disclosed.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate has been active in the Kwara–Niger State border area, where they specialize in abducting high-value individuals for ransom.
It has been reported that a ransom of ₦100 million was allegedly paid for the release of the victims, who were taken near the Ndeji axis, close to the Gbugbu community.
The Commissioner assured that all six suspects have been thoroughly profiled and charged in court, while efforts to capture the fleeing ringleader and dismantle the remaining gang network continue.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties in Kwara State, urging residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely and actionable information.
