By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has made significant breakthroughs in combating violent crimes, arresting suspected kidnappers and gun runners, and recovering arms across several states. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force public relations officer, FPRO in an official signed statement disclosed that on April 25, 2025, operatives of the FID Special Tactical Squad collaborated with the Taraba State Police command, local hunters, and vigilantes to arrest four suspected kidnappers in Mararaban Abbare, Lau L.G.A., while they were planning an operation. The suspects, identified as Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako, were found in possession of 2 AK-49 rifles, 1 AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
This arrest was preceded by a successful raid on a kidnapping gang terrorizing Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States, which led to the arrest of five suspected kidnappers identified as Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel, and Haruna Adamu. They were found with 3 AK-47 rifles, 1 AK-49 rifle, and 4 AK-47 magazines.
In a similar development, on April 17, 2025, police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Command apprehended one Isa Ibrahim, a suspected kidnapper, who confessed to relocating to Kaduna to establish a new gang after his accomplices were arrested in Kwara State. On the same date, operatives of the Kaduna State Command mobilized a patrol team to Lamido village, Lere LGA, where two suspected kidnappers, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, were apprehended and both suspects confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities in the area.
Additionally, on April 18, 2025, police operatives in Kaduna State, acting on received information about the activities of suspected gun runners, arrested two suspects identified as Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi, who were found in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles. They later arrested one Ishiyaku Ali along the Kauru-Pambegua Road of the state in possession of two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain concealed in a sack.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their efforts and assured the public that the Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. He urged the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information to aid their operations. The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
