Police detains 26 suspected kidnappers, seize weapons in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 26 individuals suspected of kidnapping, along with the recovery of four homemade firearms, numerous dangerous weapons, and part of a ransom allegedly paid to the abductors during various operations conducted statewide.

DSP Mansir Hassan, a spokesperson for the Command, stated that the arrests resulted from a series of coordinated raids executed between October 3 and 5, 2025, by police officers working in conjunction with local vigilante groups. These operations focused on criminal networks involved in kidnapping within the Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi local government areas.

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Hassan noted that a significant breakthrough occurred on October 5 when patrol teams from the Anchau Division, acting on reliable intelligence, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at approximately 1:15 a.m., leading to the arrest of six suspects, including a 21-year-old identified as Jibrin Abubakar (alias Oga).

“Investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to kidnap one Idris Adamu, 60, on September 22, 2025. He was held for several days before being released following a ransom payment of ₦5 million,” stated Hassan.

During the operation, two additional suspects, Yunusa Iliya (31) and Malam Iliya (55), both from Gidan Sidi Village in Anchau District, were apprehended after a brief exchange of gunfire with police. Two other accomplices managed to escape and are being actively pursued by security forces.

The items seized included two homemade pump-action shotguns, five empty cartridges, various charms, and ₦546,000 believed to be part of the ransom received from the victim’s family.

In another operation on October 3, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit captured Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, also known as Munyaye, in Ikara Local Government Area. He was found with two locally made revolver rifles and reportedly admitted to planning a previous armed attack on a local businessman’s home.

“Initial investigations suggest that Ahmadu is associated with a notorious gang terrorizing Ikara and its surrounding areas. His accomplices, identified as Buhari and Shede, are currently at large,” added the police spokesperson.

A further success occurred on October 4 when officers, acting on information from a recently released kidnapping victim, raided locations in Gazara Village, Makarfi Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects, including Bello Umar, who had prior kidnapping charges against him. Several machetes and other hazardous weapons were also confiscated.

Later, three additional suspects were captured near the Toll Gate area for their suspected roles in the same criminal network.

“All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover broader connections, recover more evidence, and apprehend additional accomplices still on the run,” Hassan reported.

Police Commissioner, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the officers for their professionalism and dedication, calling the arrests “a significant advancement” in the state’s battle against kidnapping and violent crime.

He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to uphold safety and security in Kaduna, promising to enhance intelligence-driven operations and community cooperation.

Muhammad encouraged residents to keep providing reliable information to support law enforcement in their ongoing security initiatives.