Police arrest 143 kidnappers, others in Kaduna

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested 143 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in different parts of the state between May and June 2024.

The State Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi stated this while addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Kaduna on Thursday, where assorted weapons recovered by the operatives were displayed.

The arrested suspects, he said, comprised 73 armed robbers and 70 bandits including their “wanted” marabout identified as Bello who was nabbed while preparing charms for some bandits for onward operations.

He added that no fewer than nine bandits were killed by operatives of the command in the past two months.

Dabigi said weapons recovered from the suspects include five AK-47 Rifles, seven locally-made arms and 1,817 rounds of live ammunition.

He added that 985 suspected phone snatchers, eight suspected car thieves and a suspected railway vandal, were also arrested in the state in the last two months.

The Commissioner was flanked by the state Commissioner Overseeing the internal Security and Home Affairs Ministry, Samuel Aruwan and other top officials of the command during the media briefings.

Dabigi said, “Now, let us turn our attention to the achievements of the Kaduna State Police Command in the last two months: 73 armed robbery suspects were arrested, 70 kidnapping suspects were arrested and nine bandits were neutralised,” among others.

The CP said, “On 20th June 2024 at about 1400hrs, the Operation Yaki Tracking and Response Team acted promptly on intelligence. The team tracked and arresteda the most wanted spiritual leader identified as one Mallam Ali Bello ‘m’ 47 years old in his shrine located around the Kidandan Forest. The team also arrested a confessed kidnapper, one Usman Ibrahim, 35 years old, who was seeking spiritual assistance.”

The police boss noted that the modest achievements were a result of the hard work and dedication of operatives of the command towards ensuring a crime-free state.

This was as he thanked the state governor, Uba Sani, for his continuous support and commitment to enhancing the security of the state, noting that his collaboration with the police had been key to the command’s efforts to maintain peace and order across the state.

“These achievements are part of the testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers and men of the Kaduna State Police Command. We remain committed to serving and protecting the people of Kaduna State with integrity and professionalism.

“Our achievements would not have been possible without the cooperation of our sister security agencies. Their dedication and teamwork have been crucial in our joint operations and successes.

“I express my appreciation to the traditional institutions and stakeholders of Kaduna State. Your wisdom, guidance, and community engagement have played a significant role in our efforts to ensure security and stability,” the Commissioner stated.