The Kwara State Police Command has arrested Mohammed Bello, popularly known as “Dandolo,” a notorious interstate kidnapper believed to be behind numerous abduction cases in Kwara and Kogi states. Bello was apprehended in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.

Arrest Following Actionable Intelligence

In a statement released on Thursday by Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kwara State Command, the arrest was attributed to intelligence received from Egbe, Kogi State. Bello had reportedly fled to Patigi in an attempt to evade arrest.

“The Kwara State Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Victor Olaiya has successfully arrested a notorious suspected kidnapper, Mohammed Bello, also known as ‘Dandolo,’” the statement said. “This arrest was made possible following actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect had relocated to Patigi, Kwara State, after his involvement in various kidnapping operations in Egbe, Isanlu, and surrounding areas in Kogi State.”

Details of the Operation

After receiving the intelligence report, the command swiftly deployed a surveillance team to track the suspect’s movements. The operation involved extensive searches in multiple locations, including hotels in Patigi, and was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State, led by Lieutenant Isah.

“The suspect was eventually apprehended at an undisclosed location,” the statement revealed.

Confessions and Previous Crimes

Following his arrest, Bello confessed to his involvement in numerous kidnapping incidents. These include abductions along:

• Omu-Aran-Ilofa-Osi-Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State.
• The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a notorious corridor for kidnappings and other criminal activities.

The suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Ilorin for further investigation.

Commitment to Justice

The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. “The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara State and its environs,” he said.

Olaiya also emphasized the importance of community collaboration, expressing gratitude to members of the public and security partners for their swift action and cooperation in apprehending the suspect.

Call for Public Support

The command has urged citizens to continue providing timely and actionable information to assist in combating crime in the state. The CP noted that such collaborations were critical in ensuring that criminals like Bello are brought to justice.

Conclusion

The arrest of Mohammed Bello marks a significant milestone in the fight against kidnapping and organized crime in Kwara and Kogi states. With his confession to multiple crimes and ongoing investigations, the authorities are hopeful this development will deter similar criminal activities and restore confidence in the security of the affected areas. The collaborative effort between the police and military highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling complex security challenges.