At least 26 suspected kidnappers have been arrested in the on-going operation by the police to tackle kidnap gangs in the Kaduna-Abuja-Minna axis.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim K. Idris, had ordered an extension of “Area of Responsibilities of Operations Absolute Sanity’’ on Abuja – Kaduna Highway to cover Suleja – Lambata, Minna and Bida Roads.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mr. Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operation which was directed by the IGP took effect from 14th of August, 2017.
The police decided to extend the operations to Niger state because the gangs of Kidnappers that escaped arrest on Abuja – Kaduna Highway relocated to some major roads within Niger State.
“In the operations that is still on-going, five different vicious and notorious Kidnap for Ransom gangs were dislodged and busted in their hideouts along Suleja –Lambata-Bida and Minna Roads in Niger State.
“A total of 26 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the operation. They all confessed to the offence and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime.’’
Various arms and ammunition and other properties belonging to some of their victims who were rescued were recovered from the gangs, he said.
“Most of the suspects were identified by the victims for being responsible for their kidnap. Investigation is being intensified to arrest the other suspects at large. All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of Investigation.’’
He said the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in zones and commands across the country to beef up security in their area of Responsibilities (AOR).
They should ensure massive deployment of armed police personnel, patrol teams and undercover operatives to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots.
He said they are to nip in the bud, all forms of crimes and criminality nationwide and make sure that detection of crimes are prompt to serve as effective deterrent to who-will-be criminals.
“The on-going raids on criminal hideouts will be sustained,’’ he explained.
He said the Inspector General of Police has extended his appreciations and gratitude to the communities, towns and villages along Suleja, Lambata, Bida and Minna Road for the supports and assistance.
He said that the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force is to reduce crimes and criminalities in the country.
Among those arrested are Isah Umar, suspected to be the gang leader and others are Abubakr Muhammed, Baje Sari, Sanusi Adamu, Nuhu Yahaya and Sanda Sale.
The others are Isiya Tukur, Abbas Tasus, Shafiu Mohammed, Ali Ali, Okechukwu Atama, Mohamamed Aliyu, Sagiru Dahiru and Abdulahi Bala.
The remaining are Haruna Adamu, Abubakar Aliyu, Haruna Abubakar, Yali Ibrahim, Yusuf Abdullahi, Deneri Buba, Sani Abubakar, Adamu Bello Abubakar Iliyasu, Yayaha Alimadu, Abdullahi Abubakar, and Suleman Mohammed.
