Nigeria Police Force Arrests Kidnappers, Warns Residents of Potential Security Risks

In a series of joint operations with other sister security agencies, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Oyo State Command, arrested five members of a kidnap group operating in Ipapo, Okaka, and other communities in the Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo State. The suspects, identified as Umar Abubakar, Abdulkadir Sulaiman, Abdullahi Naira, and Isiaku Saboyaro, were arrested while sharing nearly N5 million in cash, which was part of the ransom collected. The police also warned residents of potential security risks associated with the upcoming July 7th Founders' Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), commonly known as the Black Axe Cult.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, arrested five members of a kidnap group operating in Ipapo, Okaka, and other communities in the Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo State, on 26th June, 2025.
• The suspects, Umar Abubakar, Abdulkadir Sulaiman, Abdullahi Naira, and Isiaku Saboyaro, were arrested while sharing nearly N5 million in cash, which was part of the ransom collected.
• The police recovered money and other items from the suspects, and efforts are being made to bring the fleeing suspect, identified as Wetti, to justice.
• The Oyo State Police Command has alerted residents of the potential security risks associated with the upcoming July 7th Founders' Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), commonly known as the Black Axe Cult.
• Intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts have yielded vital information suggesting rival gangs might engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during this event.
• The police have conducted multiple sensitisation sessions with key stakeholders, including hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments, to emphasize the importance of refusing to make their facilities available for hosting gatherings associated with cult groups known for violent activities.

Statistics:

• N5 million: The amount of cash recovered from the suspects.
• 5: The number of suspects arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command.
• 26th June, 2025: The date the kidnapping incident occurred.
• July 7th: The date of the Founders' Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), commonly known as the Black Axe Cult.

Sources:

• Adewale Osifeso, Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command
• Osifeso Adewale, Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command
• Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command statement