Kaduna Police Arrest 26 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons and Ransom Cash | The Bureau News

By Queen Madaki, Kaduna

The Bureau News reports that the Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 26 suspected kidnappers and recovered four locally fabricated firearms, several dangerous weapons, and part of a ransom allegedly paid to abductors during coordinated raids across the state.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the operations — conducted between October 3 and 5, 2025 — were joint efforts between police operatives and the Kaduna Vigilance Service, aimed at dismantling kidnap gangs operating in Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi Local Government Areas.

First Breakthrough in Anchau: Six Suspects Arrested

The first major breakthrough occurred in the early hours of October 5, when officers from the Anchau Division, acting on intelligence, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at about 1:15 a.m. and arrested six suspects, including Jibrin Abubakar (alias Oga), aged 21.

Hassan revealed that the suspects had earlier conspired to kidnap Idris Adamu, aged 60, on September 22, holding him in captivity for several days before releasing him after collecting a ransom of ₦5 million.

Two additional suspects, Yunusa Iliya (31) and Malam Iliya (55), both from Gidan Sidi Village in Anchau District, were also apprehended after a brief gun duel with the police. Two others escaped and are currently being trailed.

Recovered from the scene were two locally made pump-action rifles, five empty cartridges, several amulets, and a cash sum of ₦546,000, believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family.

Ikara Operation Nets Key Suspect “Munyaye”

In another operation on October 3, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, popularly known as “Munyaye,” in Ikara Local Government Area. He was found in possession of two locally made revolver rifles and confessed to masterminding an armed attack on a local businessman.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Ahmadu is part of a notorious gang terrorizing Ikara and its environs. His accomplices, identified as Buhari and Shede, are still at large,” the statement added.

14 Suspects Nabbed in Makarfi, More Weapons Recovered

Another major success was recorded on October 4 when intelligence from a recently freed kidnap victim led officers to a camp in Gazara Village, Makarfi LGA. Fourteen suspects, including Bello Umar — a repeat offender previously charged for kidnapping — were arrested.

Recovered from the hideout were several cutlasses, charms, and dangerous weapons. Three more suspects linked to the network were later picked up at the Toll Gate area in connection with the same criminal group.

Police: “Kaduna Will Remain Unsafe for Criminals”

All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the officers for their professionalism and resilience, describing the operations as “another significant stride in the state’s fight against kidnapping and violent crime.”

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with local communities, and ensure that every perpetrator of violence faces the full weight of the law,” CP Muhammad stated.

He appealed to residents to share credible information with the police to help sustain the ongoing offensive against banditry and abduction networks across Kaduna State.

Economic Strain Amid Insecurity

Insecurity in Northern Nigeria continues to impact agricultural productivity and supply chains, contributing to inflation in major cities. Market data from foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today show continued volatility in food prices as transport costs and rural insecurity persist.

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