Police Net 12 Suspected Kidnappers,Nab 3 Gun-Runners in Multi-State Operations

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Abuja, Nigeria – April 29, 2025 – In a significant stride against violent crime, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the apprehension of twelve suspected kidnappers and three alleged gun-runners in a series of intelligence-led operations spanning several states.The successful raids also resulted in the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, underscoring the Force’s commitment to public safety.

A major breakthrough occurred on April 25, 2025, when operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Special Tactical Squad (STS), in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command, local hunters, and a vigilante group, intercepted four suspected kidnappers in Mararaban Abbare, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. The suspects, identified as Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako,were reportedly planning an operation at the time of their arrest. Authorities recovered two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.

Prior to this operation, the STS had gathered credible intelligence regarding a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing a wide swathe of states, including Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna. A subsequent raid on the gang’s hideout led to the arrest of five additional suspects: Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel, and Haruna Adamu. Recovered from this group were three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four AK-47 magazines.

Separately, in Kaduna State, police operatives attached to the State Command made significant arrests based on intelligence received on April 17, 2025. One Isa Ibrahim, a suspected kidnapper, was apprehended and reportedly confessed to relocating to Kaduna to establish a new kidnapping cell following the arrest of his previous accomplices in Kwara State. On the same day, a patrol team mobilized to Lamido village in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State apprehended two more suspected kidnappers, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, who allegedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities within the area.

Further operations in Kaduna State on April 18, 2025, focused on disrupting the flow of illegal arms. Acting on received information, police operatives arrested Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi, who were found to be in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles. In a related incident along the Kauru-Pambegua Road in the same state, Ishiyaku Ali was apprehended with two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain concealed in a sack.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement issued today, confirmed the arrests and recoveries. He stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., commended the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved in these successful operations. He reassured the public of the Force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urged citizens to continue providing the police with credible and timely information about suspicious activities in their communities.