The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the arrest of several suspects involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and vandalism across the state. The arrests were carried out by operatives of ‘Operation Fushin Kada,’ a special task force aimed at tackling crime in the region.
In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, it was disclosed that six suspected kidnappers were apprehended in connection with various abduction cases. On November 12, 2024, four members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Rahama Village, Dutsen Wai Village, and surrounding areas were arrested. The suspects, identified as Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed, were linked to the kidnapping of a woman from Rahama Village who was held captive for four days before a ₦3 million ransom was paid.
In a separate operation in Ikara Local Government Area on November 6, 2024, two additional suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, were taken into custody. They confessed to numerous kidnappings and armed robberies, including one incident where a victim was held for 60 days before being released after an ₦8 million ransom payment.
The operatives also apprehended a suspected cattle rustler, 27-year-old Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama, Kaduna, on November 13, 2024. Abdullahi admitted to being part of a gang that frequently carried out operations using AK-47 rifles and other weapons. A search led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms used by the gang.
Additionally, five suspects were arrested for vandalizing armoured cable wires at the Kaduna State Trade Fair complex. Acting on a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, officers detained Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah. During interrogation, they confessed to being part of a syndicate specializing in vandalism and implicated two accomplices, Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi. Both were subsequently arrested and admitted to their roles as receivers of stolen goods.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the officers of Operation Fushin Kada for their swift action and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kaduna residents. He assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law, reaffirming the police force’s dedication to eradicating crime in the state.
