Kaduna Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers Linked to Cattle Rustling
The Kaduna State Police Command arrested a number of well-known kidnappers, cattle rustlers, and vandals throughout the state on Saturday.
Mansir Hassan, the command’s public relations officer, said reporters in a statement that members of “Operation Fushin Kada” had apprehended six suspected kidnappers, one livestock rustler, five vandals, and found firearms and charms.
He claimed that four members of a well-known abduction racket that operated in Rahama Village, Dutsen Wai Village, and the surrounding areas were apprehended by Operation Fushin Kada soldiers on November 12, 2024.
According to him, a female victim from Rahama Village was abducted by the accused Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed. She was held hostage for four days till a N3 million ransom was paid.
He continued by saying that on November 6, 2024, two members of a well-known kidnapping syndicate were apprehended by Operation Fushin Kada agents in the Ikara Local Government Area, marking yet another breakthrough.
According to Hassan, the accused, Abdulhadir Usman and Surajo Hassan, admitted to a number of kidnappings and armed robberies, including one in which a victim was held hostage for 60 days before being freed upon payment of a N8 million ransom.
“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 Kaduna State Vigilance Service reported suspicious activity at the Kaduna State Trade Fair premises, and Operation Fushin Kada officers responded to the distress call, the police spokesperson added.
He said that Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah were taken into custody by the team for damaging armoured cable cables at the site.
“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,” Hassan stated.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the state commissioner of police, praised the officers’ efforts and reassured the public of the command’s dedication to safeguarding public facilities and maintaining safety and security in Kaduna State, according to the police spokesperson.
