The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended two foreign nationals from the Republic of Togo in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, for allegedly plotting to kidnap a local resident and demanding a ransom of ₦22 million. The suspects, identified as Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, were arrested following a swift operation by the Okuta Police Division in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
How the Plot Was Foiled
According to police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the complainant, S. Ismaila, reported receiving repeated threatening telephone calls from an unknown caller. The caller threatened to abduct him and kill his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, unless the ransom was paid. Acting on the report, the police deployed technical intelligence to trace the suspects, leading to their arrest in Okuta. A mobile phone allegedly used to make the threatening calls was recovered from one of the suspects.
Police Commissioner Commends Officers
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism. He stated, “Their intervention prevented a significant security incident.” The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and vowed that all members of the criminal network would be tracked down and prosecuted.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
Commissioner Adekimi also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information. He stressed that public cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace and security across Kwara State. The police have assured the public that further investigations are underway to uncover any additional accomplices linked to the plot.
