Police save kidnapped woman, catch suspect in Kwara

Police in Kwara State have rescued a 26-year-old woman named Shekinat Mukaila. They also arrested a suspect tied to the gang that kidnapped her. This happened during an attack on Wande Community in the Ora Kingdom of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The rescue was part of several operations led by intelligence, which the state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, announced on Friday in Ilorin.

Adekimi said the victim was taken on July 15 when armed men invaded the community. He added that her father, who is the Baale of Wande, was shot while trying to fight off the attackers.

He stated, "On 15th July 2026, the Kwara State Police Command received a distress report of a kidnapping incident at Wande Community under Ora Kingdom, where armed hoodlums abducted Miss Shekinat Mukaila, aged 26 years."

"During the attack, her father, the Baale of the community, sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to resist the assailants."

Adekimi mentioned that the command quickly activated its tactical and intelligence units after getting the report. They sent operatives to the area to secure it, gather evidence, and start an investigation.

He added that the injured traditional ruler was taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for treatment and has now been discharged.

"Upon receipt of the report, the command immediately activated its tactical and intelligence assets. Operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene, where the area was secured, critical exhibits were recovered, and a comprehensive intelligence-led investigation was immediately launched."

Adekimi noted that the investigation led to significant progress. They arrested Aliyu Mohammed, who allegedly helped the kidnappers. Investigators also identified and looked into the communication used by the gang during ransom talks.

He explained that the intelligence gathered helped the police to ramp up focused operations. This led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped woman without any injuries. Efforts are still ongoing to catch other members of the gang who are still out there.

"These coordinated intelligence-driven efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim unhurt, while sustained operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing members of the syndicate," Adekimi said.

Adekimi added that the rescue shows the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing. He urged residents to keep giving timely and reliable information to security agencies. He stressed that public support is vital in the fight against crime in the state.