The Kaduna state police command has arrested six suspects linked to kidnapping and armed robbery, and recovering 50 rustled cattle.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted on January 19 and 20, 2025 following credible intelligence.
In the first operation, conducted early on January 19, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Samaru-Zaria raided hideouts in Zango and Hayin Jarumai areas.
Four suspects—Abubakar Alkamu (29), Ahmed Shaibu Lama (24), Hassan Isah (25), and Umar Abubakar (25)—were apprehended. A dagger, reportedly used in their criminal activities, was recovered from the residence of one of the suspects.
The suspects confessed to involvement in multiple robbery operations. Efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including its leaders, who remain at large, the PPRO stated.
Hassan also stated that another operation led by the DPO of Jere resulted in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers: Abubakar Ahmadu, a native of Mayo Belwa, and Shehu (surname unknown) from Tango, both in Adamawa State.
“The police recovered three mobile phones and ₦158,600 from the suspects, who admitted to being part of a bandit gang notorious for terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna highway. A manhunt has been launched for their accomplices.
“In a separate incident in the early hours of January 20, police responded to a distress call reporting an armed raid in Dandako Village, where 50 cows were rustled. Officers from the Hunkuyi Division pursued the suspects to Marke Village, leading to a gunfight. The superior firepower of the police forced the suspects to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes. Efforts to track down the fleeing rustlers are ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and bravery. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to working with the military, other security agencies, and local communities to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“The Commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime,” the police spokesman concluded.