Security operatives nab bandit kingpin linked to Kwara monarch’s abduction

Joint security operatives in Kwara State have arrested a dangerous kidnap syndicate kingpin who has been linked to the abduction of the traditional ruler of Afin community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba Simeon Olanipekun.

The arrest was made public via a statement issued on Sunday by the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, who said the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated security operation around Oke-Ode.

According to him, the operation was carried out by joint security operatives led by Captain Abiola during a surprise routine movement between Afin-Ilere, Owode Offaro, and Oreke communities in Ifelodun LGA.

“A notorious kidnap kingpin operating in the Babanla and Oreke axis of Ifelodun LGA has been arrested around Okeode,” Oyin said.

“The arrest was made by joint security operatives led by Captain Abiola during a surprise routine movement between Afin-Ilere, Owode Offaro, and Oreke.”

He stated that intelligence gathered by security agencies identified the suspect as one of the masterminds behind the kidnapping of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Olanipekun.

“The suspect has been identified as one of the masterminds behind the kidnapping of Oba Olanipekun of Afin-Ilere,” he added.

The security coordinator further disclosed that the suspect and his gang were allegedly planning fresh attacks in parts of Kwara South before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

“Intelligence shows that the gang planned to carry out attacks in parts of Ifelodun and Irepodun LGAs before or during the Ileya festivities.

“All security agencies remain on red alert to ensure a peaceful Eid-Kabir celebration and sustained security beyond the holiday,” he added.

Arewa PidomNigeria recalls that Oba Olanipekun and his son were abducted by armed men on December 31, 2025, after gunmen invaded the monarch’s palace in Afin community at about 8 p.m.

The attackers reportedly fired sporadically during the invasion, destroyed sections of the palace, and dragged the monarch and his son into the bush.

During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Olori Felicia Olanipekun, was said to have sustained a gunshot injury on her arm while attempting to escape from the assailants.

The kidnappers later demanded  huge ransom payments from the family for the release of the victims.

The monarch’s son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, was eventually released about two weeks after the abduction following the payment of N20m ransom.

However, the traditional ruler remained in captivity for several more weeks as the abductors allegedly made fresh demands before agreeing to release him.

Oba Olanipekun eventually regained freedom on February 4, 2026, after the family reportedly paid an additional N12m ransom and supplied two power banks to the kidnappers.

The monarch was later abandoned near a herders’ settlement in Oreke community, from where he was rescued and taken to a military facility before reuniting with his family.