‘Kidnappers’ Posing As Cyclists Arrested In Kwara
Three suspected kidnappers who disguised themselves as bicycle riders to allegedly monitor and abduct unsuspecting residents have been arrested in Kwara State.
Their arrest, it was gathered, was effected by the Ilorin South Local Government Council Security Initiative at Abelu, along the Idofian axis, on Friday.
The area has witnessed a series of criminal activities in recent months.
Acting on credible intelligence, the security team reportedly mobilised and stormed the hideout, where the suspects were apprehended without resistance.
During the operation, a bicycle said to be used by the suspects to mask their identity was allegedly recovered.
They are said to be in police custody, now undergoing interrogations.
Authorities alleged the gang had used the bicycle to patrol communities unnoticed while mapping out targets and executing abductions.
Speaking with Daily Trust on Saturday evening, the chairman of the council, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, said preliminary findings suggest they are part of a wider syndicate responsible for past cases of kidnapping in the area.
The council, he noted, has been on their trail for days following intel that led to their arrest and subsequent handover to the police.
According to him, “We just left the headquarters of the state command to hand over the trio to the Commissioner of Police for further investigation and action.
“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.”
Podo hailed the swift response of the security team and described the operation as a demonstration of the council’s renewed commitment to grassroots security.
“This success is a clear result of our renewed efforts in supporting local security architecture and encouraging community vigilance,” he said.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons within their communities adding that more resources will be channelled into strengthening security across the council to prevent further threats.
In a telephone chat, Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the development of our correspondent on Saturday night.
The police boss said, “Yes, the suspects have been handed over to us with one of them wearing camouflage. Investigation is ongoing to unravel further details.”
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