Police Bust Violent Robbery Gang in Kwara, Recover Stolen Motorcycle as Hunt for Notorious Gang Leader Intensifies

Police Bust Violent Robbery Gang in Kwara, Recover Stolen Motorcycle as Hunt for Notorious Gang Leader Intensifies

June 10, 2026

The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crime with the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a stolen motorcycle following a brutal attack on two commuters in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The successful operation, carried out through a coordinated effort between police operatives and personnel of the National Forest Security Service, has also led authorities to intensify a manhunt for a fleeing gang leader believed to be behind a series of criminal activities within the area.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the robbery incident occurred on June 4, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. along the Ali Weree Camp axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The victims, who were reportedly returning home from a local market, were ambushed by a group of armed men wielding dangerous weapons, including sticks and cutlasses. During the attack, the assailants inflicted injuries on the unsuspecting commuters before forcefully taking away their motorcycle and escaping into the surrounding area.

"The assailants inflicted injuries on the victims and forcefully dispossessed them of their motorcycle before fleeing the scene," the police spokesperson stated.

Upon receiving a distress report, the police swiftly mobilised operatives and launched an intelligence-driven operation in collaboration with the National Forest Security Service. The joint security team tracked down the suspects, recovered the stolen motorcycle, and apprehended four members of the gang.

The suspects were identified as Umaru Haruna, Habibu Kale, Kire Yelwa, and Iliyasu Gambo.

Preliminary investigations conducted by detectives revealed that the four suspects actively participated in the robbery operation and worked together in carrying out the attack.

Further investigations uncovered the existence of another suspect identified simply as "Sumo," who is believed to be the leader of the criminal gang.

 Authorities disclosed that Sumo remains on the run and is suspected to be in possession of the gang's weapons.

Investigation further revealed that one Sumo, identified as the leader of the criminal gang and believed to be in possession of the group's weapons, remains at large.

Security agencies have since intensified tactical operations and intelligence gathering efforts aimed at tracking down the fugitive suspect and recovering any weapons still in the gang's possession.

Reacting to the development, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, praised the professionalism and swift response of the security personnel involved in the operation.

He described the successful recovery of the motorcycle and arrest of the suspects as a clear demonstration of the command's commitment to tackling criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

According to the commissioner, the operation aligns with the crime-fighting vision and operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, which emphasise intelligence-led policing, proactive security measures, and stronger collaboration among security agencies.

"The successful recovery of the stolen motorcycle and arrest of the suspects reflects the operational directives and crime-fighting vision of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing and enhancing public safety across the country," the commissioner stated.

Residents of Ifelodun and neighbouring communities have commended the security agencies for their prompt intervention, noting that criminal attacks along remote routes and forest corridors have remained a source of concern for commuters and traders.

The police assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing and that the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation. Authorities also reiterated their determination to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and dismantle any remaining criminal network linked to the group.

The development comes amid renewed efforts by security agencies across Nigeria to crack down on armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening public safety.

In a related development, the Adamawa State Police Command recently arrested two suspected armed robbers in separate operations conducted within Yola North Local Government Area. Police authorities disclosed that one of the suspects, Idris Auwal, 22, was apprehended in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation, highlighting the increasing efforts by law enforcement agencies nationwide to curb criminal activities and strengthen security across communities.