Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kwara State have arrested 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, disclosed the development in Ilorin, stating that the arrests followed a coordinated operation launched after the monarch was kidnapped.
According to him, the traditional ruler was abducted on Saturday evening at his residence in the Olayinka community by armed men. Acting on intelligence, police operatives deployed surveillance tools and other operational resources, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
He explained that all those arrested are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement and to identify those directly responsible for the abduction.
The police commissioner added that efforts are being intensified to secure the safe release of the monarch.
Also speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, described the abduction as unfortunate and raised concerns over the security situation in the area.
He said the local government authorities are working closely with security agencies to ensure the monarch’s safe return, noting that decisive steps are being taken to address the situation.
Security personnel, alongside local vigilante groups, have since intensified search operations across surrounding communities as part of efforts to rescue the abducted ruler.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing operations by providing credible information that could assist security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to restoring peace and stability in the area.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, with renewed calls for sustained and proactive measures to tackle insecurity across the state.
