The Kwara State Police Command has thwarted an alleged kidnap and extortion plot in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two nationals of the Republic of Togo believed to be connected with the crime.
The Command’s spokesman, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said the operation was launched after a resident, S. Ismaila, reported to the Okuta Police Division that he had been receiving threatening telephone calls from an unidentified individual demanding ₦22 million to stop a planned abduction.
She said the caller also threatened to abduct the complainant and kill his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if the ransom demand was not met.
“The operation followed a report received at the Okuta Police Division from one S. Ismaila of Okuta, who reported that he had received a series of threatening telephone calls from an anonymous caller demanding the sum of Twenty-Two Million Naira (₦22,000,000.00) to avert his planned abduction.
“The suspect further threatened to kidnap the complainant and murder his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, should the demand not be met,” the PPRO said.
Ejire-Adeyemi explained that detectives immediately commenced an intelligence-led operation in conjunction with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), using technical support to trace those responsible for the threats.
She said the exercise led to the arrest of Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, both citizens of Togo.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives immediately activated intelligence-driven operational strategies. In collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and leveraging technical support, operatives swiftly tracked and arrested two suspects identified as Yakubu Ismaila (M) and Hadiza Kosia (F), both nationals of the Republic of Togo,” Ejire-Adeyemi noted.
The police spokesperson added that preliminary findings linked the suspects to the alleged conspiracy, noting that both admitted their involvement during interrogation.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were directly linked to the criminal conspiracy. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the attempted kidnapping and extortion plot,” she stated.
She further revealed that investigators recovered the mobile phone allegedly used in making the threatening calls, describing it as an important exhibit in the case.
“A mobile phone used to issue the threatening calls was recovered from one of the suspects and has been taken into police custody as a critical exhibit,” Ejire-Adeyemi added.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, praised their prompt response and professionalism, saying their intervention averted what could have become a major security incident.
“I commend the professionalism, prompt response, and coordinated efforts of the operatives whose swift action prevented what could have resulted in a serious security breach,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that investigations were ongoing to uncover and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
“The command’s investigations have been intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network, who will be brought to justice,” he added.
The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies, stressing that public support is vital in sustaining peace and security across the state.
