Police Arrest 26 Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna Raids

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 26 suspected kidnappers and recovered four fabricated firearms, several dangerous weapons, and part of a ransom allegedly paid to abductors during coordinated security operations across the state.

The arrests, carried out between October 3 and 5, 2025, followed a series of joint raids conducted by police operatives and members of the Kaduna Vigilance Service in Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi Local Government Areas.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the first breakthrough came on October 5, when officers from the Anchau Division, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a kidnappers’ den around 1:15 a.m., leading to the arrest of six suspects, including 21-year-old Jibrin Abubakar, alias “Oga.”

“Investigation revealed that the suspects had on September 22, 2025, conspired to kidnap one Idris Adamu, aged 60, whom they held in captivity for several days before releasing him after collecting a ransom of ₦5 million,” Hassan said.

Two other suspects, Yunusa Iliya (31) and Malam Iliya (55), both from Gidan Sidi Village in Anchau District, were arrested after a brief gun duel with the police, while two others escaped and are currently being trailed by operatives.

Recovered items included two locally fabricated pump-action rifles, five empty cartridges, amulets, and ₦546,000, believed to be part of the ransom collected from the victim’s family.

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In a separate operation on October 3, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended one Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, popularly known as “Munyaye,” in Ikara Local Government Area.

Ahmadu, who was caught with two locally made revolver rifles, confessed to leading an armed attack on the residence of a local businessman in the area.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Ahmadu is a member of a notorious gang terrorising Ikara and its environs.

He operates alongside his accomplices, identified as one Buhari and one Shede, who are currently at large,” the police spokesman said.

Hassan added that efforts were underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover more weapons connected to the gang’s activities.

Another major operation took place on October 4, when officers, acting on intelligence provided by a recently freed kidnap victim, raided a hideout in Gazara Village, Makarfi LGA, arresting 14 suspects.

One of those arrested, Bello Umar, had previously been charged to court for kidnapping. Police also recovered cutlasses and other dangerous weapons during the operation.

Three more suspects were later apprehended at the Toll Gate area, bringing the total number of arrests to 26.

“All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover their wider network, recover more exhibits, and apprehend other accomplices still at large,” DSP Hassan stated.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, describing the operation as “another significant stride in Kaduna’s war against kidnapping and violent crime.”

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with local communities, and ensure that every perpetrator of violence faces the full weight of the law,” the CP said.

He urged residents to share timely and credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the state.