Police nab three kidnappers in Kaduna, seize rifle

Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested a three-member kidnap syndicate in the state, along with an AK-47 rifle.

However, the weapon that was recovered from the terrorists also included an empty magazine

In a statement by the Police Spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Friday, he pointed out that “on 5th November 2024, at about 18:35 hours, acting on credible technical intelligence, the Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team successfully arrested three members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorising the 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, all three suspects confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate known for terrorising the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, stressing that “the syndicate has been linked to a string of violent incidents across the region, causing distress among residents and travellers 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 and to facilitate the recovery of additional firearms in the group’s possession,” Hassan added.

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Hassan further stressed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the police operatives for their diligence and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and will continue to deploy all resources necessary to dismantle criminal networks in the state.