The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major strides in the fight against violent crime with the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and three alleged gun-runners across several states, and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.
According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted by the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) and various state commands.
On April 25, 2025, four suspected kidnappers—Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako—were arrested in Mararaban Abbare, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State while allegedly planning a kidnapping operation. The arrest was made in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups. Recovered from the suspects were two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Prior intelligence had revealed the activities of a notorious kidnapping gang operating across Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States. A subsequent raid on the gang’s hideout led to the arrest of six more suspects—Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel, and Haruna Adamu—who were found in possession of three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four AK-47 magazines.
In a related development in Kaduna State on April 17, 2025, police operatives arrested Isa Ibrahim, who reportedly confessed to relocating to Kaduna to form a new gang after the arrest of his former accomplices in Kwara State. That same day, two more suspected kidnappers—Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji—were apprehended in Lamido village, Lere LGA, and also confessed to involvement in kidnapping.
Further operations on April 18 led to the arrest of three suspected gun-runners in Kaduna State. Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi were found with two fabricated AK-47 rifles, while another suspect, Ishiyaku Ali, was intercepted along the Kauru-Pambegua Road with two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain concealed in a sack.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to securing lives and property. He also urged citizens to continue providing credible information to aid police efforts.
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