Police arrest six notorious kidnappers, rescue victims in Kaduna

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major victory against kidnapping syndicates in Kaduna State, arresting six suspects and rescuing several victims, including the son of a senior officer.

In a statement released Tuesday by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) carried out the operation on April 3, 2026.

The suspects—Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28)—belong to a syndicate operating in Kaduna and nearby areas, with bases in Rijana Forest.

“NPF arrests six notorious kidnapping suspects, rescues victims in Kaduna,” the statement began, highlighting the breakthrough.

Preliminary probes linked the group to high-profile abductions, including that of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025.

“Despite collecting a ransom of Twenty-Four Million Naira (₦24,000,000) and other items, the victims were not released until police operatives intervened, leading to the successful rescue of the officer’s son unharmed,” the statement detailed.

Efforts continue to free the officer.

The syndicate also abducted a young child and family members, pocketing ₦18 million in ransom before police rescues.

“The suspects are also linked to the abduction of other victims, including a young child and members of the same family, where a ransom of Eighteen Million Naira (₦18,000,000) was collected before the victims were eventually rescued through police operations,” it added.

“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue remaining victims, and recover the syndicate’s weapons,” the statement concluded.

Police vow to dismantley such networks amid rising insecurity in the region.