Security operatives in Kwara State on Tuesday evening arrested scores of suspected kidnappers at Olayinka, along the Ajasepo/Igbaja/Oke-Ode highway in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The suspects reportedly fled from Baba Sango after intelligence revealed that informants working for the criminal network were disguising themselves as beggars to move freely across towns and villages in Kwara South Senatorial District.

Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South, Zubair Olaitan, confirmed the arrests to Daily Revelation on Wednesday, stating that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.

Olaitan said, “We received intelligence indicating that bandits from Baba Sango and Oro-Ago were spreading to other parts of Kwara South. One of their informants, disguised as a beggar, was apprehended in Igbaja yesterday. He disclosed that his sponsors were operating from Kaara Market, Ajasepo, and Olayinka near Oke-Ode. He has been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) for further investigation.”

The security official added that authorities were moving swiftly to dismantle the network and ensure the safety of communities in the senatorial district.

The arrests come amid rising concerns over banditry and kidnapping in Kwara State, with authorities intensifying intelligence-led operations to prevent further attacks.