By Our Correspondent
National News – Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested six suspected kidnappers and rescued multiple victims in Kaduna State, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry.
The arrests were carried out on April 3, 2026, by the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad, according to police spokesperson Anthony Placid.
Authorities said the suspects were part of a well-organised criminal network operating within the state and nearby communities.
The police identified the suspects as Yusuf Shuaibu, Abubakar Bature, Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman, Abdul Kareem Nuhu, and Ahmed Musa.
Investigations revealed that the group had links to criminal hideouts in Rijana Forest, where they allegedly coordinated several high-profile abductions.
The operation also led to the safe rescue of victims who had been held captive for ransom.
According to police findings, the syndicate was involved in the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025.
Despite receiving a ransom of ₦24 million, the suspects failed to release the victims until security operatives intervened.
The officer’s son was eventually rescued unharmed, while efforts continue to locate and free the officer.
Further investigations linked the suspects to additional abductions involving a child and other family members.
In those cases, the kidnappers reportedly collected ₦18 million before victims were later rescued through coordinated police operations.
Authorities say the arrests expose the scale and coordination of kidnapping activities in the region.
The police explained that the arrests were achieved through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical raids on suspected hideouts.
They added that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, dismantle the wider criminal network, and recover weapons used in their operations.
Security experts say the operation highlights renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb rising insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing timely information.
