The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Tactical Squads through the enhanced tactical deployments of personnel and resources to troubled regions have arrested 72 Suspects, 34 out of which are kidnap suspects, made 22 rescues and several other recoveries within 2 weeks.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed this today, 13 February 2024, while parading suspects for different crimes, ranging from Child trafficking, gun running, bandits Collaborators, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and so on.
While reeling out the NPF achievements in safeguarding public safety, ACP Adejobi noted that collaborative efforts between the police, military, and other security agencies in joint operations so far in February have resulted in the successful rescue of numerous kidnap victims nationwide, who have joyously been reunited with their families and these achievements are testaments to NPF shared commitment to protecting lives and upholding the safety and security of the communities.
Amongst the suspects paraded today were Muhammad Isah, Pastor Simon Kado, Jesse Simon Kado of Kafanchan, Kaduna in a Toyota Hiace bus with Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying twelve; four (4) male and eight (8) female;trafficked underaged children to a destination later discovered to be in Ogun state.
According to him the operatives of FCT Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74 (RRS 74), arrested the traffickers on Friday 09/02/2024 at about 12:55 AM and investigation is still ongoing and efforts are in conduit with Nasarawa State Police Command on how to reunite victims with their respective families.
Another arrest is the arrest of car theft syndicate and recovery of stolen vehicle. On 07/02/2024 at about 0100hrs, a team of anti-kidnapping operatives from the Osun State command upon receipt of credible intelligence intercepted a four-man gang of a suspected car theft syndicate along Osunjela Ilesha road while they were en route to Kabba, Kogi state to sell the stolen cars.
"Preliminary interrogation revealed that they operated under the pretense of being gear mechanics and subsequently stole their customer's cars. The cars recovered from them include one White 2014 Toyota Camry, with Reg no: LSR935JC Lagos, One Red 2010 Toyota Camry with Reg no KTU803ET Lagos, One Unregistered Black 2010 Toyota Camry, One Gold colour 2005 Honda Accord with Reg no: FST917BF Lagos. Investigation is ongoing to recover other cars in their possession and arrest other syndicate members.
Also the arrested of suspected suspected kidnappers in FCT. On 02/02/2024 at about 0930hrs, acting on actionable intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT command in a coordinated operation arrested six (6) suspected kidnappers namely Buhari Muhammad 'm' 20 yrs, the gang leader who has been on the wanted list of the command; Muhammad Sabiu ‘m’ 20yrs, Isah Abdullahi 'm', Hamzat Musa 'm', Fatima Abdullahi 'f 22yrs and Zuliat Yusuf 'f' 23yrs. All the suspects were apprehended in a hotel at Bassa Village along airport road.
"During interrogation, suspects confessed to having been responsible for the abduction of one Joshua Eze on 27/01/2024 around Sabon Lugbe, the husband of one Blessing Eze who suffered a bullet injury in the process of her husband's abduction. Efforts of the operatives led to the successful rescue of the said Joshua Eze on 28/01/2024.
"One AK-47 rifle, three (3) cutlasses, ten (10) mobile phones, cash sum of three hundred and forty-five thousand naira (#345,000) and other valuables were recovered from the suspects and they confessed to their involvement in the crime and many other kidnapping activities in the FCT. Further investigation is still being carried out.
On 31/01/2024 at about 2130hrs, the DPO of Sabon Tasha Division, Kaduna State command received information from his men that while they were on joint patrol of the Kaduna/Kachia highway with other sister agencies, they received a distress call that a house at Mamara Damishi village belonging to one Simon Zango.
A patrol was immediately extended to the scene where an unspecified number of suspected armed bandits were encountered and in the process of a fierce gun duel, the bandits succumbed to the superior firepower of the security operatives and retreated. The members of the victim’s family were rescued alongside their neighbour with his wife and two children totalling seven rescued victims. Efforts are being intensified to locate the bandits and rescue the last hostage in their captivity.
"The Kano State command Anti-kidnapping squad responded to a complaint regarding the earlier kidnap of one Abdul 'Aziz Ahmad 'm' who is the councillor of Kyarana ward in Kiru LGA, Kano State on 01/01/2024 at about 0200hrs. Unrelenting efforts led to the arrest of one Rayyanu Halilu 'm' 35yrs of Kwanar Dangora town on 29/01/2024 at about 0130hrs by the operatives.
The suspect confessed that he conspired with the following suspects who are currently at large: Buhari Isah 'm', Nura Sani 'm', Nazifi 'm', Gambo Ibrahim 'm', all of Kwanar Dangora, Kiru LGA and one Kabiru 'm' of Jigawa state to kidnapped the victim. The suspect further confessed his involvement in the recent kidnapping of one Alhaji Dalha Tarau 'm' of Kiru LGA of which he received the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira #250,000 and three hundred thousand naira #300,000 ransom respectively as his share. Efforts are currently being intensified to arrest the suspects at large
The Operational strategy introduced by the Adamawa State Police Command to Checkmate Criminal activities such as Armed Robbery, Gangsterism, and Kidnapping amongst others within the state Capital has yielded a positive result as a syndicate of Four (4) notorious criminals have been arrested.
The Suspects were arrested on 12/2/2024 by a combined team of Police operatives attached to Girei Divisional Police Headquarters after they had attacked the House of Hon. Muhammed Sadiq Wali, Honourable Commissioner Ministry, Ministry of Environment, Adamawa State and robbed him of his Toyota Hilux and other Valuable items. All items stolen from the victim's residence were recovered. The Suspects will be prosecuted per the Extant Laws.
The suspects wereMustapha Muhammed, 47yrs, Isha Adamu, 55yrs, Salihu Buhar, 38yrs, Abdullahi Abubakar, 35yrs
Among those apprehended are Tukur Mohammed Zamfara, Kabiru Idris aka Yellow, Badamasi Usman, and Hamza Adamu aka Nasabila. Each of these individuals played a distinct role in perpetuating crimes that have instilled fear and anguish in communities across the nation.
Tukur Mohammed Zamfara, a 38-year-old native of Gidan Kwalande Village in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state, was arrested at Lugbe Police Junction in Abuja. He confessed to his involvement in a series of kidnappings across states such as Kogi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Benin Edo. His callous exploits included the abduction of innocent people and the extortion of exorbitant ransoms. His confessional statement details operations involving the use of AK47 rifles to instill fear and coerce victims and their families into compliance.
Kabiru Idris, known as Yellow, a 25-year-old native of Dan-Daura in Lere local Government area of Kaduna state, was apprehended at Zuba Park in Abuja. Investigations revealed his collaboration with Tukur Mohammed Zamfara in orchestrating kidnappings that terrorized regions such as Kogi, Benin Edo, and the Northeast.
"Badamasi Usman, a 29-year-old native of Yankara village in Faskari Local Government area of Katsina State, was arrested at Dikko Junction in Niger state. His arrest was as a result of the confessions made in custody by Tukur about some consignment of arms he was expecting Badamasi to convey to him. Essentially, Badamasi's role in the intricate web of criminality is to transport arms by skilfully arranging them under the seat of his Golf 3 car. The end came for Badamasi when he walked into the waiting arms of our IRT operatives, believing he was doing the bandit's bidding.
"Hamza Adamu, alias Nasabila, a 35-year-old native of Yan Kara Village in Faskari local Government area of Katsina state, who had earlier been arrested in 2018 by the DSS, returned after serving a 5 year jail term in prison, reunited with Badamasi to continue the life of crime. Badamasi's confession led to his apprehension at Dikko Junction in Niger state.
On January 27 2024, Operatives of the IRT apprehended Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Stafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a kidnapper along with approximately ten other gang members. He confessed to involvement in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna State expressway, with his base located in the Rigina Forest in Kaduna State. Bello Umar admitted to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. Upon his arrest, ₦2.2 million, his share from a recent ransom collection, was recovered. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing gang members and recover any remaining arms.
On the 7th of February 2024 at about 1700hrs, the operatives of the FID-STS received information, that an unknown person called and threatened the inhabitants of Kwarra Village under Shiriro LGA of Niger State. Detailed investigation revealed that the caller had threatened that if a sum of Four Million Naira wasn’t paid to him within a stipulated time, the entire Kwarra Village stood the risk of facing attacks soonest.
The operatives of the FID-STS immediately swung into action and through the aid of technical analysis and investigation arrested the above-mentioned suspect. Upon arrest and consequent investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had once escaped from police custody before his arrest. He further confessed that he had given out the number of his uncle who happened to be the village head to the kidnappers to obtain money from the proceeds. Investigation is still ongoing to clamp down on these kidnappers and make them feel the heavy weight of the law.
Following an ongoing investigation into the daily killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State, operatives from FID-IRT arrested Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere in the Ekpoma area of Edo State. The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity and admitted to their involvement in the killings and cult activities in the mentioned area.
A search of their residences led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, numerous voter cards belonging to different individuals, nineteen live cartridges, four expended cartridges, one wooden carved gun, illicit drugs, charms, and their cell phones. During interrogation, they affirmed that the killings in the state were carried out by the Eiye confraternity as a result of rivalry between Eiyes and Maphites. Efforts are underway to apprehend more fleeing members of the group and bring the area under control. The investigation is ongoing.
Recently, operatives attached to FID-STS arrested one Shafiu Bello age 25yrs of Wanke village, Zamfara state in connection with several homicide cases. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to slaughtering his victims on several occasions. He claims to have committed the heinous act in the line of his duty as a member of the local vigilante group. The last victim he killed along with his team member was just an innocent person who had a misunderstanding with his former in-laws and seventy thousand Naira was paid to them and slaughtered the victim in a bush after he was forcibly removed from inside a vehicle.
Following a series of kidnappings in the Abuja and Kaduna areas, operatives from the IRT conducted a follow-up investigation and apprehended Usman Inusa, also known as Shaga, a 40-year-old resident of Obajana. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement, along with his still-at-large gang members, in terrorizing members of the public through robberies and kidnappings for ransom.
Usman admitted to participating in numerous kidnapping incidents targeting individuals within the Abuja and Kaduna state axis. His confession shed light on the modus operandi of the gang and their extensive criminal activities, highlighting the significant threat they posed to the safety and security of the region. Additionally, upon his arrest, our operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, further implicating Usman in serious criminal offenses. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining members of his gang, and the investigation into their activities continues to uncover further evidence and ensure justice for their victims.
On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state precisely Shinkafi LGA. In the process, a spot search was conducted and the following items were recovered; 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets. The two suspects were arrested.
The Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji.
On February 2 2024, operatives from FID-IRT conducting an investigation in Nasarawa State apprehended three individuals: Habu Jafaru (also known as Dan Guy), Saidu Haruna Jafaru, and Abdullahi Lele, all residents of Tudun Adabo in Obi LGA, Nasarawa State. The arrests were made in connection with their alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery activities within Obi Local Government, Nasarawa State.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the crimes and implicated their elder brother, Alhaji Jafaru, as the individual who supplied them with an AK-47 rifle to carry out their illicit activities. Alhaji Jafaru, who is currently at large, is in possession of the said AK-47 rifle. Law enforcement authorities have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects through technical analysis methods. This case underscores the serious threat posed by organized criminal networks operating in the region and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle them and ensure the safety and security of the public.
On 15th January 2024, operatives of the FID-STS in a manhunt for several notorious kidnappers arrested the above-mentioned suspects at Kawo Junction, Kaduna and found in their possession 50 pieces of live ammunition. The suspects confessed to specializing in the supply of ammunition to various camps of kidnappers and bandits and that they were on their way to show samples of their supply to a potential client before being intercepted.
On the 22nd of January 2024, operatives of the FID-STS acting on intelligence launched a manhunt and arrested one Lawandi Ibrahim ‘m’ 18yrs of Kajuru, Kaduna State. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to owning a locally fabricated gun which he had kept with his friend, one Ya’u Ibrahim ‘m’ of Igabi Kaduna. The suspect revealed that he used to belong to a kidnapping group which had carried out several kidnappings but he had never gotten a share of the received ransom. This prompted him to steal the weapon from the group with the intent of eventually forming his own crew.
On the 9th of February 2024 at about 1230hrs the operatives of the FID.STS arrested one Ibrahim Hantsi ‘m’ age 25yrs of Talatan Mafara LGA Zamfara State. The suspect confessed to having participated in cattle rustling and kidnapping in Zamfara and Sokoto states respectfully. He was arrested when trying to escape after an attack on their camp by the security operatives in Zamfara state.
On the 23 of January 2024 at about 1530hrs, operatives attached to FID.STS working on credible intelligence, arrested two (2) suspected kidnappers terrorizing Zamfara State. Both suspects confessed to belonging to the group of one notorious bandit identified as one Nasiru dan Goggo 'm and one Basullube 'm' of Niger Republic camped at Tsafe LGA forest Zamfara state. The suspects confessed to having carried out several kidnappings and have received several ransoms ranging in millions of Naira which they have shared among themselves.
Operatives of the FID-STS acting on credible intelligence, went after a notorious gang specialized in attacking motorcyclists and dispossessing them of their motorcycles. The operation led to the arrest of one Anas Murtala ‘m’ of Markarfi LGA Kaduna State. Upon arrest and consequent interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of this notorious gang and also confessed to having received over 19 different motorcycles which he had sold. The suspect is cooperative and investigation is still ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
Amid escalating concerns over the nefarious activities of armed bandits and kidnappers nationwide, we reaffirm our resolve to combat kidnapping and banditry. Our mission remains steadfast: to rescue kidnapped victims unharmed, reunite them with their loved ones, and relentlessly pursue criminals to the farthest corners, restoring peace to our beloved country, Nigeria.