The State Police Command in Kaduna confirmed on Saturday that it had arrested several high-profile kidnappers, cattle rustlers, and vandals across the state.
Mansir Hassan, the command’s public relations officer, told 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.
He said the suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed, were involved in the kidnapping of a female victim from Rahama Village, who was held captive for four days until a ransom of N3 million 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.
He narrated that 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
“Following his confession, a search operation led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms used by the gang,” the statement added.
The police spokesman further said that Operation Fushin Kada officers responded to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, reporting suspicious activities at the Kaduna State Trade Fair complex.
The team, according to him, arrested Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah for vandalising armoured cable wires at the location.
Hassan hinted that all the suspects were 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.”
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.
