Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested at least 26 suspected kidnappers, recovered four fabricated firearms and ransom money.
Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the development through a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, said in a sustained effort to rid the state of banditry and kidnapping,
operatives of the command, in a coordinated joint operation with patrol teams from Anchau Division and the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS), arrested six suspected kidnappers.
Hassan also disclosed that the operatives also recovered two fabricated firearms, and some parts of ransom money paid to the kidnappers.
The state police image make also disclosed that the operation took place on Oct. 5, at about 1:15 am, following credible intelligence that led to the arrest of a 21-year-old male suspect and five others.
According to him, investigation revealed that the suspects, on Sept. 22, at about 2:15 am, criminally conspired and invaded the residence of one Idris Adamu, male, aged 60, and abducted him and held him in captivity for several days before releasing him after collecting a ransom of N5 million.
The command’s spokesman , who also disclosed that that during the same coordinated operation, two additional suspects were arrested after a brief gun duel with the police, however confirmed that two other suspects were still at large and currently being trailed by operatives.
According to state police publicist, that exhibits, including two fabricated, locally made pump-action guns, five empty cartridges, some amulets and a cash sum of ₦546,000, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds, were recovered from them.
Hassan further said that on Oct. 3, at about 6:00 p.m., a team of operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted and arrested one suspect from Ikara Local Government Area and found in his possession two fabricated revolver rifles.
He said upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having masterminded an attack on the residence of one Alhaji (name withheld) of the same address about two months ago, using the same rifle.
“Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect is a member of a notorious gang of bandits terrorising Ikara and its environs and operating alongside his accomplices who are currently at large.
“Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and recover more weapons connected to the gang’s criminal activities.
He also said that on Oct. 4, at about 2:00 a.m., following the receipt of credible information from a kidnapped victim from Gazara Village,
Makarfi Local Government Area, a team of operatives led by the Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, swiftly mobilised to the said village and conducted a coordinated raid on the houses of the suspected kidnappers.
“During the operation, the Police arrested a suspect who had earlier been charged to court for kidnapping, along with thirteen (13) others in connection with various kidnapping activities in the area.
“Three more suspects were arrested at the toll gate area, and cutlasses as well as other dangerous weapons were recovered from them, “he said
The state police image maker also disclosed all the suspects were currently in custody, as the investigation is ongoing to uncover their network, recover more exhibits, and apprehend other accomplices still at large.
He said that the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience in ensuring the success of the operation, just as he also reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to fighting kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state.
