The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended a notorious interstate kidnapper, Mohammed Bello, also known as “Dandolo,” in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Tuesday, 10 December 2024.
The Command’s spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, disclosed in a statement on Thursday, 12 December, that the arrest was based on actionable intelligence received from Egbe, Kogi State.
The statement revealed that Bello is suspected to be the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings across Kwara and Kogi States, as well as incidents along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
“Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya, the Kwara State Police Command successfully arrested the notorious suspected kidnapper Mohammed Bello, alias ‘Dandolo.’ The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect had fled to Patigi to evade capture,” the statement read.
Bello is accused of orchestrating several kidnapping operations in Egbe, Isanlu, and nearby areas in Kogi State. Upon receiving the intelligence, a surveillance team was immediately deployed to track his movements. Multiple locations in Patigi, including hotels, were searched, and the suspect was eventually apprehended at an undisclosed site.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State, under the leadership of Lieutenant Isah.
The suspect has since been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Ilorin for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police assured the public of a discreet and thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
“The Command remains committed to the safety and security of residents in Kwara State and its environs,” the statement noted.
The Command expressed gratitude to the public and security partners for their swift cooperation, urging citizens to continue providing timely information to combat crime effectively.
During interrogation, Bello confessed to involvement in multiple kidnappings along the Omu-Aran-Ilofa-Osi-Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State, as well as incidents on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
