The Kwara State Police Command has provided further details on the arrest of a man suspected of supplying food to bandits and kidnappers, following heightened vigilance by residents in parts of the state.
The command said the suspect was arrested while he was buying suya worth N20,000 and assorted drinks in large quantities.
The suspect, identified as Yaman Patigi, a 36-year-old resident of Patigi town, was intercepted last week while allegedly transporting food items like spaghetti, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, drugs, and other supplies to a suspected bandits’ enclave within the Patigi Local Government Area.
Some recently released abductees told Daily Trust that they were fed only a handful of spaghetti per day.
Local sources said the suspect attempted to justify his actions by claiming the items were meant for Fulani residents living in an isolated settlement.
A respected elder in the area, Mr. Muhammed Ndako, and the chairman of the council, Hon. Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect had been handed over to security operatives.
Speaking to the publication on the matter, Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo revealed that the arrest was triggered by suspicious purchases made by the suspect.
“Citizens of Kwara have become more alert. They noticed someone buying about N20,000 worth of suya and also drinks in abnormal quantities and questioned the motive behind it. The suspect’s unsatisfactory response raised further suspicion, which led to his arrest,” the CP stated.
