By Milcah Tanimu
Kaduna State Police operatives have successfully apprehended five notorious kidnapping suspects and a suspected car thief, recovering a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser in the process. According to a statement issued by State Command spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Thursday, the first arrests occurred on June 15, 2024, at approximately 18:10 hours. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maigana acted on intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding a group of kidnappers planning to collect ransom money. Swift action by the DPO, who mobilized a patrol team and local vigilante group, led to the arrest of suspects Shuaiabu Bala, 23, from Malanta, Gimba Village, and Safinu Musa, 22, from Bugau Village, Anchau, Kubau L.G.A. Both suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation, and investigations are ongoing to capture other gang members.
Continuing the crackdown on kidnappers, a significant breakthrough was achieved on June 17, 2024. The DPO of Tafa, acting on credible intelligence, mobilized a surveillance team along with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) of Tafa. Their swift response resulted in the arrest of three suspected kidnappers: Sani Amadu, 17, Sani Lawal, 20, and Aliyu Usman, 22, all from Dadin Kowa, Tafa Local Government Area, Niger State. Incriminating evidence, including pictures and videos of banditry activities, was found on their cell phones. The case will be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.
In another incident, on June 13, 2024, at around 1600 hours, intelligence led to the sighting of a criminal element at Kachia Road by the Railway Station Roundabout in Kaduna with a suspected stolen vehicle. The Anti-Car Theft Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) promptly responded, arresting Chinago Harrison from Manya Street, Ungwan Romi, Kaduna. The operatives recovered a black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, 2013 model, with registration number KTU 886 JD. Preliminary investigations revealed the vehicle was stolen from Sir Dingshegyuan Plastic Processing and Manufacturing Company Limited in Shagamu, Ogun State. The suspect will be handed over to Ogun State Police Command for further investigations.
The Kaduna State Police Command is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Commissioner of Police CP Audu Ali Dabigi urges the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
