The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major success in its ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes across the country, with the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and three gun runners, alongside the recovery of dangerous firearms and ammunition in multiple states.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the Force said the operations, conducted in Taraba, Kaduna, and other states, were based on credible intelligence and were executed with the support of local hunters and vigilante groups.
On April 25, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command, apprehended four suspected kidnappers while they were planning an operation in Mararaban Abbare, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. The suspects — Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako — were found in possession of two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Prior to that, five other suspected kidnappers — Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel, and Haruna Adamu — were arrested during a raid on their hideout, following intelligence reports about their activities in Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna states. Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four magazines during the operation.
In another development, on April 17, 2025, officers of the Kaduna State Police Command arrested Isa Ibrahim, a suspected kidnapper who had relocated from Kwara to Kaduna to form a new gang after his associates were previously arrested. On the same day, two other suspects, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, were apprehended in Lamido village, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where they confessed to involvement in kidnapping operations.
The crackdown also extended to gun-running activities. On April 18, 2025, acting on intelligence, police operatives in Kaduna arrested two suspects, Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi, in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles. Another suspect, Ishiyaku Ali, was later arrested along the Kauru-Pambegua Road with two locally-made rifles and a long chain concealed in a sack.
According to the Force, all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their gallantry and dedication. He reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country and urged the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support policing efforts.
The police emphasized that operations will continue nationwide to rid communities of criminal elements and ensure lasting peace and safety.