The police have arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of firearms, and ammunition across multiple states.
A press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the arrests and recoveries underscore the unwavering commitment of the police to tackling criminal activities and enhancing internal security nationwide.
Adejobi explained that one of the operations took place on March 11, 2025, when operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) encountered an ambush by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a border area between Kogi and Edo States.
He asserted that in a swift and tactical response, the officers overpowered the assailants, arresting eight suspects identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna.
“The police recovered a significant arsenal, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump-action rifle with four cartridges, two additional pump-action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single-barrel shotgun with two cartridges, and two operational motorcycles.
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“In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Yakubu Musa and Usman Musa in Kaduna State.
“The duo was linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and cattle rustling in Soba and Ikara regions. Upon their arrest, police recovered three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition.
“Similarly, on January 21, 2025, security forces apprehended Abubakar Lawan, Isiaku Abdullahi, and Abbas Maisaude, for alleged involvement in kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearms, and criminal conspiracy.
“The suspects, who confessed to several kidnapping incidents in Kaduna and Niger States, were found in possession of one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 28 rounds of live ammunition
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of their gang,” the police added.
