By Gabriel Atumeyi
A notorious kidnap kingpin in the Ibarapa part of Oyo state Iskilu Wakili has been apprehended by a joint team of Ibarapa security operatives, including Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Vigilante, and other groups.
It is said that the kingpin is suspected to have been the brain behind serial kidnaps and killings in many communities in the surrounding areas.
Wakili was arrested after several failed attempts which has even led to shoot – outs with security and vigilante personnel.
His arrest is coming barely seven days after his second-in-command, Isiaka Muhammadu, was arrested alongside four others.
OPC leader Gani Adams confirmed Wakili’s arrest in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, on Sunday.
Adams said the kingpin was arrested around 7 am on Sunday and had been handed over to the Divisional Police Office in Igbo Ora, Oyo State.
The statement was titled, “Insecurity: Gani Adams applauds OPC, Ibarapa joint security team over arrest of Kidnap kingpin Wakilu, three others in Ibarapa’.
According to him, Wakili is the ‘most-dreaded, notorious kidnap kingpin’ who has operated in Oyo State.
He said, “I am happy that the notorious kidnapper had been captured alongside three others. It is a good development and a positive signal to other criminal elements that the South-West is no longer an abode for bandits, kidnappers, and criminal herders.
“I commend all the members of the joint security team that has made this possible because with the video at my disposal, it was purely a neat job.
“With this development, I think the whole world will agree with me that the fight against insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry needs native intelligence, information gathering, and grassroots support from local securities and operatives.”