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Kaduna Police Arrest 26 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons and Ransom Money in Coordinated Raids

Published by admin on October 9th, 2025.

Kaduna Police Arrest 26 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons and Ransom Money in Coordinated Raids

In a major breakthrough against kidnapping syndicates, the Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 26 suspects and seized a cache of locally made firearms, dangerous weapons, and a portion of ransom money believed to have been paid to kidnappers. The operations, which took place between October 3rd and 5th, 2025, were carried out in partnership with the Kaduna Vigilance Service.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the coordinated raids targeted criminal hideouts in Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi Local Government Areas. The joint task force aimed to dismantle kidnapping rings that have plagued these regions in recent months.

Anchau Raid: Early Morning Strike Yields Arrests

On October 5, around 1:15 a.m., police officers from the Anchau Division, acting on intelligence, stormed a suspected kidnapper’s den and arrested six individuals. Among those detained was 21-year-old Jibrin Abubakar, also known as “Oga,” believed to be a key player in a recent abduction case.

Investigations revealed that the group had kidnapped 60-year-old Idris Adamu on September 22 and released him after collecting a ransom of ₦5 million. During the operation, two more suspects—Yunusa Iliya (31) and Malam Iliya (55)—were apprehended following a brief exchange of gunfire. Two other suspects managed to flee and are currently being pursued.

Police recovered two locally crafted pump-action guns, five spent cartridges, charms, and ₦546,000 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom.

Ikara Operation: Notorious Gang Member “Munyaye” Captured

In a separate operation on October 3, police arrested Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, widely known by the alias “Munyaye,” in Ikara LGA. He was found in possession of two locally manufactured revolver rifles.

Police say Ahmadu confessed to leading an armed assault on a local businessman. Preliminary findings suggest he is a member of a gang involved in multiple violent incidents in the area. His known associates, Buhari and Shede, are still on the run.

Makarfi Crackdown: 14 Arrested, Repeat Offender Caught

On October 4, actionable intelligence provided by a recently released kidnap victim led security forces to a hideout in Gazara Village, Makarfi. There, 14 suspects were apprehended, including Bello Umar, a repeat offender previously charged with kidnapping.

Police recovered cutlasses, charms, and additional weapons from the location. Three more individuals connected to the criminal network were later arrested at the Toll Gate area.

Kaduna Police Chief: No Safe Haven for Criminals

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the joint task forces for their bravery and effectiveness. He called the successful raids a “decisive step forward in combating violent crime in the state.”

He assured the public that operations will intensify in the coming weeks, with continued reliance on intelligence gathering and community collaboration. “We urge residents to share any useful information. Together, we can eliminate the threat of kidnapping from our communities,” CP Muhammad said.

Insecurity’s Wider Impact

The growing insecurity in Northern Nigeria continues to disrupt farming and logistics, further pressuring food prices across the country. Reports from major urban markets, including Mile 12 in Lagos and Wuse Market in Abuja, show continued volatility in food prices, driven by transport disruptions and rural unrest.