The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang after foiling an alleged attempt to procure an AK-47 rifle in Kaiama Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Sanda Aliyu, was arrested on August 3 by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section following intelligence about an alleged arms transaction involving another suspect, Aliyu Mohammed, who remains at large.

According to the police, Sanda was negotiating with Mohammed to obtain the firearm when detectives moved in and arrested him before the weapon could be delivered.

During interrogation, Sanda allegedly admitted involvement in the transaction and disclosed that N1.6 million had already been paid for the rifle.

The police said the suspect also revealed that he intended to use the weapon to strengthen his position within the alleged kidnapping gang before eventually breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal group.

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrest and said investigations had produced additional leads.

She said investigators had identified other individuals allegedly connected to the transaction and were working to establish the full extent of the suspected criminal network.

Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest Mohammed, while investigations continued into the alleged arms deal and other activities linked to the suspected kidnapping gang.