Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested 26 suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms as well as ransom money allegedly obtained from victims.

The Kaduna State Police Command said the arrests were made in a series of coordinated operations aimed at tackling banditry and kidnapping across the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that operatives, working with patrol teams from the Anchau Division and the Kaduna Vigilance Service, arrested six suspects, recovered two homemade firearms, and seized part of the ransom paid to their victims.

According to him, the operation took place on October 5, 2025, at about 1:15 a.m., following credible intelligence that led to the arrest of Jibrin Abubakar, also known as Oga, and five others.

The suspects were allegedly involved in the abduction of one Idris Adamu, 60, on September 22, 2025, around 2:15 a.m. Adamu was held captive for several days before being released after a ransom of N5 million was paid.

During the operation, two more suspects were arrested after an exchange of gunfire with the police.

They were identified as Yunusa Iliya, 31, and Malam Iliya, 55, both from Gidan Sidi Village in Anchau District. Two other suspects are still at large and being trailed by operatives.

Recovered items include two locally fabricated pump-action guns, five empty cartridges, amulets, and N540,000 believed to be part of the ransom money.

In a separate operation on October 3, 2025, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, also known as Munyaye, in Ikara Local Council. He was found in possession of two locally made rifles.

Upon interrogation, Ahmadu reportedly confessed to leading an attack on the residence of one Alhaji (name withheld) in the same area about two months ago, using one of the recovered rifles. He is believed to belong to a notorious gang operating around Ikara with two accomplices, identified as Buhari and Shede, who are currently on the run. Hassan said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more weapons linked to the gang’s activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state.