From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In an exemplary display of law enforcement prowess, the Nasarawa State Police Command has dealt a heavy blow to criminal activities by apprehending multiple suspects and successfully rescuing a kidnapped two-year-old child.
The command’s remarkable achievements were highlighted by the PPRO, DSP Ramhan Nansel, yesterday, at a press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters on Shendam Road, Lafia.
He said the achievements, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, serve as a beacon of hope for the community’s safety.
One of the most heartwarming success stories emerged on August 13, 2023, when Adamu Abdullahi reported the heart-wrenching kidnapping of his beloved two-year-old son, who had gone missing for a harrowing two weeks.
Demanding a staggering N 2.5 million in ransom, the kidnappers plunged the family into turmoil. However, through unwavering dedication and painstaking investigation, the police managed to apprehend the suspects responsible for this heinous crime.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Saidu, Yusuf Yusuf, and Haruna Garba, were arrested alongside Abubakar’s wife, Salamatu Abubakar.
The police traced the child’s location to Katsina State, where the abductors had taken him. Thanks to the swift and decisive action of the police, the child was heroically rescued and tearfully reunited with his family.
In an interview with Daily Sun, the culprit, Abubakar Saidu, expressed deep remorse for his actions. Acknowledging that the victim’s family were close neighbours, he confessed to the crime, driven by desperation for money.
The kidnappers’ brazen act involved contacting the family and demanding an exorbitant ransom of N2 million, leading to their apprehension.
“I needed money after stealing the child. We put a call through and demanded N2 million ransom. I contacted my friend, Yusuf, and gave the child to my wife for safekeeping. While we were waiting for the ransom, we were arrested. The police used a tracker to track us down.”
Salamatu Abubakar, wife of one of the perpetrators, was overcome with emotion during her confession. Tearfully recounting her role in the abduction, she admitted that after her husband stole the child while she took the child to Katsina for safekeeping.
“I know the child, the parents are our close neighbours. I’m ashamed because I know the parents; after my husband stole the child and gave it to me I took the child to Katsina for safe keeping.”
When asked whether she has children, she said; “I gave birth to children, but all of them are dead.”
The success of the police wasn’t limited to this heartwarming rescue. In a separate operation, the law enforcement agency apprehended Domo Doga, Joseph Emmanuel, Andrew Maikasuwa, and Lucky Amos, who were suspected of plotting a kidnapping in Awe LGA. The diligent search of their hideout led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.
Another commendable arrest involved Bawa Adamu and Amadu Buba, caught in discussions about procuring more ammunition. The police confiscated a locally fabricated gun from these suspects, linking them to illicit activities.
The police’s dedication to public safety further manifested in the arrest of Manu Abdullahi on July 16, 2023. With a locally fabricated gun, live ammunition, and assorted wrappers in his possession, the vigilant police personnel thwarted a potential robbery and ensured the safety of the residents in Masaka Division.
Adamu Zakari, alias “Ozil,” a notorious member of the Black Axe cult, was apprehended for inflicting severe harm on Suleiman Musa. The suspect, wanted for luring young boys into the cult, faces imminent prosecution once investigations conclude.
Additionally, a notorious armed robbery gang’s reign of terror was curtailed as police apprehended five of its members: Jamilu Aliyu, Ibrahim Sabi, Abubakar Shehu, Suleiman Adamu, and Yusuf Abdulrasheed. Intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members and dismantle the gang entirely.