Police arrest armed robbers, kidnappers in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has made breakthroughs in its efforts to combat crime, with the arrest of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers, and the recovery of rustled cows.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, detailing the operations that led to the arrests and recovery.

Four suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate were apprehended in Samaru-Zaria following a tip-off.

The suspects—Abubakar Alkamu (29), Ahmed Shaibu Lama (24), Hassan Isah (25), and Umar Abubakar (25)—confessed to their involvement in multiple robbery operations.

DSP Hassan said, “On January 19, 2025, at about 6:30 am, acting on credible intelligence, a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Samaru-Zaria launched an operation in the Zango and Hayin Jarumai areas. The suspects were arrested, and during a search of Hassan Isah’s residence, a dagger used in their criminal activities was recovered.”

The command has intensified efforts to apprehend other gang members, including their leaders, who are still at large.

In another operation, police operatives arrested two suspected kidnappers, Abubakar Ahmadu and Shehu SNU, in Jere. The suspects, natives of Adamawa State, were found with three mobile phones and ₦158,600.

“The suspects confessed to being members of a notorious bandit gang terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna axis,” DSP Hassan revealed.

Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang.

Police also responded to a distress call about an armed invasion in Dandako Village, where 50 cows were rustled. The operatives engaged the suspects in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee.

DSP Hassan said, “The cows have been recovered, and efforts are being intensified to track down the fleeing suspects.”

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their bravery and the effective use of intelligence-led policing in executing the operations.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration with the military, other security agencies, and communities in fighting crime.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police. Community cooperation is vital in combating crime across Kaduna State,” DSP Hassan added.