Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have successfully foiled a planned kidnapping and extortion attempt in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two foreign nationals allegedly involved in the criminal operation.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation was triggered by a distress report from a resident, S. Ismaila, who had been receiving threatening phone calls demanding a ransom of ₦22 million.
The suspect reportedly warned that failure to meet the demand would result in the abduction of the complainant and the murder of his younger brother, Musa Ismaila.
Following the report, police operatives swiftly launched an intelligence-driven operation in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Using advanced tracking and technical support, authorities were able to trace and apprehend the suspects.
The arrested individuals were identified as Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, both nationals of the Republic of Togo.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.
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During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to their roles in the attempted kidnapping and extortion scheme.
Police also recovered a mobile phone believed to have been used in making the threatening calls. The device has been secured as a key exhibit in the ongoing investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response, noting that their swift action prevented a potentially serious security breach.
He further assured that investigations have been intensified to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network involved in the plot.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, emphasizing that public cooperation is essential in maintaining peace and security across the state.
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