A local vigilante group in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Saleh Yusuf, and rescued an abducted victim.
The vigilantes had been tracking Yusuf for some time, following intelligence reports linking him to recent kidnappings in the area.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Yusuf admitted to being an ex-convict who had previously served two years in prison for cattle rustling.
He confessed that after his release, he returned to kidnapping.
“My name is Saleh Yusuf. I live in Babanla. I was part of the Aro gang, but I didn’t know about this specific operation,” he claimed.
Yusuf also admitted to stealing an AK-47 rifle from a gang leader named Aro. He said the kidnapping team included himself, Yati, Abacha, and Smally, and they had two rifles for the operation.
During interrogation, Yusuf pleaded for forgiveness, promised to expose his accomplices, and asked for water.
“Since I left prison, I haven’t committed any crime—except this one where I was caught,” he insisted.
He also mentioned that Aro had around 31 AK-47 rifles and that another gang, the Ore gang, was responsible for some recent kidnappings in the area.
Meanwhile, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed the arrest.
In a statement, its Kwara State chairman, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Sakaina, praised the vigilantes for their bravery.
“Our vigilante group successfully arrested several kidnappers and rescued victims. They also recovered AK-47 rifles, hard drugs, and stolen items,” MACBAN said.
Attempts by SaharaReporters to reach the Kwara State Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.
