Three suspected kidnappers disguising as bicycle riders to allegedly monitor and abduct unsuspecting residents have been apprehended in Kwara State.
Their arrest was carried out by the Ilorin South Local Government Council Security Initiative at Abelu, near the Idofian axis, on Friday.
The area has reportedly witnessed a spike in criminal activity in recent months, prompting local security teams to act on credible intelligence.
The suspects were arrested at their hideout without any resistance.
According to reports, the suspects used bicycles to blend into communities and avoid suspicion while carrying out surveillance and identifying potential targets for abduction.
A bicycle used in the alleged scheme was recovered during the operation.
The suspects are now in police custody and are undergoing interrogation.
Speaking with Daily Trust on Saturday evening, the Chairman of Ilorin South LGA, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, stated that early investigations suggest the suspects are linked to a broader kidnapping network operating in the area.
“We just left the headquarters of the state command to hand over the trio to the Commissioner of Police for further investigation and action,” Podo said.
“Their recent security breaches along that axis had caused concern and we embarked on some measures with our security arm which led to their apprehension.
“The disturbing aspect was that they used to pose as unsuspectedly as cyclists, the three of them on a bicycle, to monitor residents before their kidnapping. But thank God for this breakthrough. The police will handle it from here.”
He praised the swift action of the local security team, describing it as a testament to the council’s renewed commitment to improving grassroots security.
“This success is a clear result of our renewed efforts in supporting local security architecture and encouraging community vigilance,” he added.
Podo also urged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity, assuring them that the council would continue to invest in measures to improve safety and prevent further threats.
In a separate phone conversation, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the arrest to Daily Trust on Saturday night.
“Yes, the suspects have been handed over to us with one of them wearing camouflage. Investigation is ongoing to unravel further details,” the police commissioner stated.
