The Kwara State Police Command has arrested one Muhamodu Sanni, over accusations of aiding banditry by allegedly collecting ransom linked to the abduction of three victims.
Police stated that Sanni was nabbed while attempting to withdraw the proceeds of the ransom paid for some abductees and has been held up in custody for prosecution.
The security outfit disclosed that the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation that targeted the financial and logistical network supporting the kidnapping syndicate.
According to the Command statement released on Wednesday, Sanni, was intercepted at the Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area, while attempting to withdraw ransom proceeds at a Point-of-Sale (POS) outlet.
His arrest reportedly followed investigations into the abduction of three people during an armed attack on a community.
Rather than concentrating solely on the immediate aftermath of the attack, detectives reportedly traced the communication, logistics and financial channels allegedly used by the syndicate.
The intelligence gathered during the investigation eventually led operatives to Sanni and enabled them to disrupt part of the ransom collection process.
Police said Sanni cooperated with investigators during interrogation and provided information that could assist efforts to dismantle the wider network.
He allegedly identified two other members of the syndicate as Aminu and Umar, giving investigators additional leads to pursue.
The Command said the information obtained from the suspect has strengthened its understanding of the criminal network, while further operational activities are being carried out discreetly.
The latest development forms part of the Kwara Police Command’s broader efforts to target not only kidnappers but also the support structures that facilitate ransom payments and other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Commissioner of Police CP Ojo Adekimi, said the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing to disrupt criminal networks and prevent them from operating freely.
He also urged residents to assist security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid efforts to prevent and investigate criminal activities.