Police foil N22m kidnap plot in Kwara, arrest two Togolese suspects

Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi

Police foil N22m kidnap plot in Kwara, arrest two Togolese suspects

The Kwara State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and N22 million extortion plot in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, arresting two Togolese nationals allegedly involved in the criminal conspiracy.

The suspects, identified as Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation coordinated by operatives of the Okuta Police Division in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after a resident reported receiving repeated threats demanding a ransom.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began after S. Ismaila, a resident of Okuta, reported that an unidentified caller had demanded N22 million to prevent his abduction.

The caller also allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and murder his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if the ransom was not paid.

Following the complaint, police operatives immediately launched a coordinated intelligence-driven investigation, deploying technical surveillance and digital tracking tools to trace the source of the threatening calls.

The operation led to the arrest of the two suspects before the alleged kidnapping plot could be executed. Police said preliminary investigations established a direct link between the suspects and the attempted kidnapping and extortion scheme. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the plot, providing investigators with useful information to expand the ongoing investigation.

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Security operatives also recovered the mobile phone allegedly used to issue the threatening calls, describing it as a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, swift response and effective coordination. He said the timely intervention of the operatives prevented what could have escalated into a major security incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing.

The police commissioner disclosed that investigations had been intensified to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network believed to be connected to the failed kidnap plot. He assured residents that every individual linked to the conspiracy would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also urged residents across Kwara State to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities. According to the command, community participation remains critical in preventing crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent offences. Authorities further assured the public that intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and proactive policing would continue across the state to strengthen public safety.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, prompting security agencies to adopt more technology-driven and intelligence-based strategies to dismantle criminal networks. Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger border surveillance and enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries to curb cross-border crimes involving kidnapping, human trafficking and arms smuggling.

The successful operation in Kwara State highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in preventing criminal activities before they are carried out and underscores the importance of timely public information in supporting security agencies to combat insecurity.