The Kwara State Police Command has released 48 men who were arrested along the Alade–Oreke axis around Oke-Ode in Ifelodun LGA of the state on suspicion of possible involvement in criminal activities.

The suspects, who were riding in clusters on 14 motorcycles, were intercepted by operatives of the Command in collaboration with vigilantes attached to the office of the National Security Adviser on special duty at Oke-Ode on September 4.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the arrest followed “credible intelligence” received from the Divisional Police Officer in Oke-Ode.

She said that 43 mobile phones and other personal items were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

According to her, the suspects were subjected to “detailed criminal intelligence analysis and profiling,” with their mobile devices undergoing digital forensic examination, including extraction of call records, communication trails, transaction history, and geo-location mapping.

SP Ejire-Adeyemi explained that after exhaustive checks, no incriminating evidence or links to kidnapping, banditry, or organized crime were found against the men.

“All forty-eight (48) individuals have been duly released this morning,” the statement read.

The spokesperson stressed that the operation was conducted with respect for human rights and investigative protocols, adding that the police acted swiftly on intelligence while ensuring that innocent citizens were not unjustly criminalized.

She urged residents of Kwara State to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by promptly sharing credible information with security agencies.

“The outcome underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding our communities against criminal elements,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.