Security Operatives F0il Planned Eid-El-Kabir ∆ttacks In Kwara, Arrest Kidn∆pping Kingpin Linked To Monarch’s ∆bduction
Security Operatives Foil Planned Eid-El-Kabir Attacks In Kwara, Arrest Kidnapping Kingpin Linked To Monarch’s Abduction
The suspect, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was said to be one of the masterminds behind the abduction of Oba Olanipekun, the monarch of Afin-Ilere community in Ifelodun LGA.
A notorious kidnapping kingpin allegedly operating across the Babanla and Oreke axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been arrested by joint security operatives around Oke-ode community of the state.
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The suspect, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was said to be one of the masterminds behind the abduction of Oba Olanipekun, the monarch of Afin-Ilere community in Ifelodun LGA.
SaharaReporters gathered that the arrest was carried out during a surprise security operation led by an army Captain, Abiola alongside other joint security personnel patrolling communities within the Afin-Ilere, Owode Offaro and Oreke corridor.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday.
According to the statement, intelligence reports had revealed that the gang was planning fresh attacks in parts of Ifelodun and Irepodun Local Government Areas ahead of the Ileya festivities.
Oyin-Zubair said the timely arrest of the suspect disrupted the planned operations of the criminal gang and prevented possible attacks during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“A notorious kidnapping kingpin operating around the Babanla and Oreke axis of Ifelodun LGA has been arrested around Okeode,” he said.
“The arrest was made by joint security operatives led by Captain Abiola during a surprise routine movement between Afin-Ilere, Owode Offaro and Oreke.
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“The suspect has been identified as one of the masterminds behind the kidnapping of Oba Olanipekun of Afin-Ilere.
“Intelligence shows the gang planned to carry out attacks in parts of Ifelodun and Irepodun LGAs before or during the Ileya festivities.
“All security agencies remain on red alert to ensure a peaceful Eid-Kabir celebration and sustained security beyond the holiday.”
The statement further noted that security agencies had intensified surveillance and patrol operations across vulnerable communities in Kwara South following growing concerns over kidnapping and banditry activities in the area.
Residents of several communities in Ifelodun and neighbouring local government areas have in recent months raised alarm over increasing incidents of abductions, attacks on travellers and threats by armed gangs operating within forested areas linking Kwara and neighbouring states.
The abduction of Oba Olanipekun had earlier generated tension across the area, with traditional rulers and residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle the activities of kidnappers terrorising rural communities.
