Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested a three-member kidnap syndicate carrying an AK-47 rifle. In a statement, on Friday, the Kaduna Police Command spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, said: “On November 5, 2024, at about 18:35 hours, acting on a credible technical intelligence, the Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team successfully arrested three members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorising Kaduna-Abuja Highway and other neighbouring states.

“The suspects were identified as Muhammad Lawal Abubakar (40), Abubakar Isah (40), and Samaila Saidu (65), and they were apprehended during a targeted intelligence-led operation.”

Hassan added that the police recovered an AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine from the suspects.

According to him, during interrogation, the three suspects confessed to being part of a kidnap syndicate known for terrorising the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

“The syndicate has been linked to a string of violent incidents across the region, causing distress among residents and travelers alike.

“The suspects are currently cooperating with the police and have provided crucial information to assist in the possible arrest of other syndicate members at large aside from facilitating the recovery of additional firearms in the group’s possession,” Hassan said.