… Rescued 158 kidnapped victims
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force has said that its operatives have arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi, popularly known as Mande who is believed to be the mastermind of the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack where several passengers were abducted, some killed and others injured.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this during a press briefing in Kaduna State on Thursday.
The Force Spokesman also said a total of three million, three hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N3,350,000) previously paid as ransom to kidnappers was recovered, while coordinated efforts of the police resulted in the safe rescue of 158 victims recently kidnapped.
“I am pleased to highlight the significant achievements in our crime-fighting endeavors, with a particular focus on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway corridor, and communities in Kaduna State, spanning from January 2024 to date. Notably, I would like to draw attention to a strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which has significantly contributed to our successes.
“Under the directive of the Inspector General of Police, a helicopter has been deployed to serve as an escort for trains using the route, providing aerial support for the ground troops from the armed forces, police, and other security agencies deployed along the corridor, as well as a proactive measure to prevent attacks and act as a first responder in the event of any untoward incidents.
“This proactive measure has proven instrumental in enhancing security along the corridor, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of commuters and residents of the adjourning communities along the route.
“During this period, our proactive measures and relentless pursuit of criminal elements have resulted in remarkable outcomes including the arrest of 81-armed robbery suspects, 40 kidnap suspects, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 suspects involved in cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects engaged in other criminal activities.
“Similarly, we have successfully recovered 16 firearms of various types, along with 226 ammunitions of diverse calibers. Additionally, our operations have led to the retrieval of 28 stolen vehicles, over 200 harmful weapons, and 600 bags of fertilizers. A total of three million, three hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N3,350,000) only, previously paid as ransom to kidnappers, has been successfully recovered, while our swift and coordinated efforts have resulted in the safe rescue of 158 kidnapped victims, all of whom have been reunited with their families unharmed.
“Police operatives attached to anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), based on credible information swooped in and arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi aka MANDE at Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction.The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorising Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji. He had participated in various kidnapping incidents including the kidnapping incident at Green Field University and he partook in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
“Vigilant operatives of the Kaduna Command Monitoring Unit conducted a well-coordinated operation at the residence of a suspected kidnapper, one Adamu Abdulwahab, in Ganga Uku Village, Mararaban Jos, which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect and recovery of crucial exhibits, including 1 fabricated cartridge revolver rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 2 dane guns, 6 live cartridges, 1 discharged GPRG ammunition, 7 discharged cartridges, 2 SIM cards, 2 TECNO handsets, and 1 bloodstained cutlass.It was revealed during investigation that 35-year-old Adamu Abdulwahab, in connivance with other suspects who are currently at large, had kidnapped one Samaila Abdullahi, aged 40, of Keke Kingdom, Mararaban Jos, on February 13, 2024, and forcefully taken him to an unknown destination. Efforts is being intensified to locate and rescue the victim.
“Police operatives attached to the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS). Abuja in collaboration with Operation Yaki operatives in Kaduna Command, arrested one Abubakar Umar aged 20yrs of Bagega Village via Anka LGA of Zamfara State in possession of four hundred and sixty (60) rounds of 7.62MM live ammunition concealed inside a stabilizer box at Zaria City Kaduna, with a mission to deliver it to one Doctor Dan Sadi of Bagega for onward transfer to a notorious bandit known as Ladan, who is expected to receive the ammunitions. The suspects are being rounded up, and will be prosecuted accordingly.
“Suspected bandit/gun runner Adamu Shuaibu, aged 35, from Dumale Village under Jere L.G.A. of Kaduna State, was arrested following reliable information available to the police on his involvement in criminal activities within the state, including the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal suspects. One (1) AK-47 rifle with breach no. 1970/TY 1938 and an empty magazine was recovered from his custody.
“On 7th September 2023 at about 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack. Due to the urgency of the situation, police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilized to the scene. Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the authorities. Despite the valiant efforts of operatives, one seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his life in the inferno and property worth millions of Naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire.
“However, due to diligence and tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on the 22nd of March, 2024 one Yakubu Saidu, the mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.
“On 24th March, police operatives while acting on actionable intelligence, arrested one Salim Aliyu, a 22-year-old resident of Badarawa-Kwaru in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna State. Aliyu was found in possession of one AK47 rifle with Breach No. 01585, along with three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Additionally, upon search, the following items were recovered from his possession: a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) camouflage face cap and singlet, a sharp knife, a flier, a desert handbag, a wallet containing a First Bank ATM card, and a complimentary card belonging to a Brigadier General. During interrogation, Aliyu confessed to being on a robbery mission to Maraban Jos.
“On 31st March, 2024 information received through one Kaduna State vigilante commander, of Gwauro village Igabi LGA, show that some cows were sighted with two young boys suspected to be rustled cows. Upon receipt of the information, detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene and during the course of investigation 16 cows were recovered, the principal suspect one Yusuf Shehu ‘M’ aka Kaduna of same Gwauro was arrested.
“On 13th March, 2024, a report was received from the JTF Commander in Karuga Village, which alerted authorities to a dire situation unfolding. It was revealed that in the evening of the same date, a group of armed bandits infiltrated the village, instilling fear and chaos as they forcefully seized hostages. In a remarkable display of bravery and coordinated efforts, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, and support from vigilant members of the community in Kakura Village, swiftly launched a joint operation, and strategically blocked the suspected escape routes of the bandits, preventing their escape with the hostages.Despite the bandits’ attempt to evade capture by fleeing into the dense forest behind Kakura Village, the relentless pursuit by security forces ensured the safe rescue of all kidnapped victims who have been returned to their respective homes unharmed.
“In response to this incident, aggressive joint-coordinated patrols are being intensified in the general area to prevent further occurrences and maintain peace within the community and serious manhunt on top gear for their apprehension.
“On 27th April, 2024, some vigilante members arrested and brought to the station one Auwal Ayuba aged 27, a resident of Kubacha Town suspected of being a kidnapper. After thorough investigation the suspect confessed to being a member of kidnapping gang and has participated in several kidnappings in Kubacha, Jere and Katari axis where many victims were kidnapped.
“On February 2, 2024, one Shedrack John was apprehended by Police operatives from Tafa Division for providing medical services to injured bandits in the forest. The suspect confessed to have been providing drugs, other medication and provisions to the bandits. He also admitted that he has provided medical attention to the bandits on several occasions.
“During a routine patrol operation on January 27, 2024, a vigilant police patrol team observed a suspicious activity involving a blue Honda Accord ’90 model car with registration number ARD 507 AA along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, specifically in the Kakau area, with 7 occupants. The occupants, namely Sherif Abubakar (aged 34), Hassan Adam (aged 33), Nura Mustafa (aged 27), Abdullahi Mohammed (aged 22), Umar Mohammed (aged 25), Umar Mohammed (aged 37), and Isa Usman (aged 20), were seen in the act of changing their clothing.Prompt action led to the interception and subsequent arrest of the suspects, who were taken in for further investigation. Upon thorough search of the vehicle, police operatives recovered a locally made pistol along with three live cartridges, three sharp knives, one pair of scissors, and various assorted criminal charms. Suspects have been detained while continued investigation led to the arrest of an accomplice by name Yusuf Dan Makurdi ‘M’, who is also a part of their robbery gang.
“On the 28th of April 2024, Mr. Auwal Hassan M of Zuntu Road reported to the authorities that his two-year-old son, Hassan Auwal, had been abducted by unknown individuals, which prompted immediate action from Police operatives geared towards rescuing the boy unhurt.Subsequently, on the 1st of May 2024, an unknown caller contacted the family and demanded a ransom of 200,000 Naira for the safe return of the child. After negotiations, the father agreed to pay 30,000 Naira.Following the child’s release, efforts of the Police surveillance unraveled the mystery ransom caller to be one Mr. Uzaifa Isah, who resides in the same area as the victim’s father. Further investigation also led to the arrest of one Mr. Auwal Ahmed ‘M’ and Mr. Auwal Adamu ‘M’, who have all confessed to be perpetrators of the act. The suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody pending conclusion of investigation.
“During a recent operation, police detectives acting upon credible intelligence successfully apprehended one Isa Adamu, and found in possession a grey-colored Toyota Corolla LE 2003 model. Upon interrogation, Adamu confessed to stealing the aforementioned vehicle in Kaduna with the intention of selling it in Zaria.Further investigation revealed that Adamu is a notorious criminal with a known history of engaging in car snatching, theft, and other illicit activities in areas including Benin, Kaduna, and Zaria. Suspect would be charged to court accordingly upon conclusion of investigation.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and combat criminal activities across the country. These recent achievements along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway underscore the zeal of the Force in fulfilling our mandate of protecting lives and property.
“This special intervention and operation would be replicated in other major expressways and cities across the country through the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) by the IGP. We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ innovative strategies, and harness the full force of the law to root out criminal elements and create a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.
“As we forge ahead, the Nigeria Police Force extends its gratitude to members of the public for their continued support and cooperation. Together, we will build safer communities, foster trust between the police and citizens, and strive towards a Nigeria where all individuals can live without fear of crime or violence”. The Force Spokesman said.