The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 26 suspected kidnappers and recovered several weapons, including four locally made guns and part of a ransom allegedly paid to abductors, during multiple operations across the state.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the coordinated raids—carried out between October 3 and 5, 2025—were conducted in partnership with the Kaduna Vigilance Service. The operations targeted criminal hideouts in Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi local government areas as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Arrests in Anchau
The first major breakthrough occurred on October 5, when officers from the Anchau Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected kidnappers’ den around 1:15 a.m. and arrested six suspects, including one Jibrin Abubakar, also known as “Oga,” aged 21.
DSP Hassan revealed that the suspects were involved in the abduction of a 60-year-old man, Idris Adamu, on September 22, 2025. The victim was reportedly released after his family paid a ₦5 million ransom.
During the operation, officers exchanged gunfire with the suspects, arresting two men—identified as Yunusa Iliya (31) and Malam Iliya (55)—both from Gidan Sidi Village in the Anchau District. Two others escaped and are currently being pursued by security agents.
Items recovered included two locally fabricated pump-action rifles, five spent cartridges, several charms, and ₦546,000 believed to be part of the ransom payment.
Raid in Ikara
In a separate operation on October 3, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, popularly called “Munyaye,” in Ikara Local Government Area. He was reportedly caught with two homemade revolver rifles and confessed to leading an armed attack on a businessman in the area.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Ahmadu is part of a gang that has been terrorizing Ikara and nearby communities. His accomplices, identified as Buhari and Shede, are still on the run,” DSP Hassan stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to track them and recover more weapons.
14 More Arrested in Makarfi
Another operation on October 4 led to the arrest of 14 suspects at Gazara Village in Makarfi Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence from a recently freed kidnap victim, officers raided the location and recovered several machetes and other dangerous weapons. Among those arrested was Bello Umar, who had previously been charged with kidnapping.
Three additional suspects were later apprehended near the Toll Gate area in connection with the same network.
“All suspects are in custody as investigations continue to identify their wider connections, recover more exhibits, and apprehend other accomplices still at large,” the police spokesman added.
CP Commends Operatives
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, describing the operation as a “significant milestone” in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring Kaduna remains a hostile environment for criminals. “We will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, collaborate with communities, and ensure that every offender faces justice,” the CP said.
Muhammad also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support the state’s security efforts.
