Suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler arrested in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command, on Saturday the arrest of several high-profile kidnappers, cattle rustlers and vandals across the state.

In a statement released to newsmen, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, said operatives of ‘Operation Fushin Kada,’ nabbed six suspected kidnappers, one cattle rustler, five vandals and recovered firearms as well as charms.

He said on November 12, 2024, Operation Fushin Kada personnel arrested four members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Rahama Village, Dutsen Wai Village, and surrounding areas.

He said the suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed, were involved in the kidnapping of a female victim from Rahama Village, who was held captive for four days until a ransom of N3m was paid.

He added that in another breakthrough, Operation Fushin Kada operatives arrested two members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Ikara Local Government Area on November 6, 2024.

Hassan said the suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, confessed to multiple armed robbery operations and kidnappings, including a case where a victim was held captive for 60 days and released after a ransom of N8m was paid.

“On November 13, 2024, officers from Operation Fushin Kada apprehended a 27-year-old male, Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama, Kaduna, who was found to be a member of a notorious cattle rustling syndicate.

“During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a syndicate that frequently carries out operations using two AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons.

“Following his confession, a search operation led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms used by the gang,” the statement noted.

The police spokesman further said that Operation Fushin Kada officers responded to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, reporting suspicious activities at the Kaduna State Trade Fair complex.

The team, according to him, arrested Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah for vandalising armoured cable wires at the location.

Hassan said, “All suspects are residents of Hayin Na’iya in Kaduna Metropolis.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate who specialises in vandalising armoured cable wires.

“They mentioned one Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi as their criminal receivers. Based on this information, the investigation was extended to Malalin Gabas and Rigasa. The team successfully apprehended the two suspects who also confessed to their roles as criminal receivers.”

The police spokesman said the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the officers for their efforts and assured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring safety and security in Kaduna State.