The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of 13 kidnappers in multiple operations across the country, recovering 11 assorted rifles, 89 ammunition and motorcycles in the process.
The suspects include Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna.
Others are Yakubu Musa, Usman Musa, Abubakar Lawan, Isiaku Abdullahi and Abbas Maisaude.
In a statement released by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, he noted that the successful operations highlight the NPF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combatting criminal activities in Nigeria.
“On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States.
“Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles,” the statement noted.
Adejobi revealed that in an another operation on January 27, 2025, the IRT operatives acted on credible intelligence to apprehend Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State.
“These suspects were linked to series of kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in the Soba and Ikara regions of the State. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further substantiating their involvement in criminal activities,” he said.
Similarly, the spokesperson disclosed that on January 21, 2025, three suspects namely Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), were nabbed for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping.
He mentioned that the suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States.
“Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of their gang,” Adejobi revealed.
He reiterated that the operational accomplishments underscore the NPF’s relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property – and urged the citizens to support the police by providing timely and accurate information, as their cooperation is vital in the fight against crime.
“To those who choose a life of crime, the Force is resolute in its mission to attain justice. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria,” he warned.
Reacting to the arrests and seizures, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, stressing the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining law and order.
The security agency affirmed that it remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, assuring the public that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements.
