Fatimah Otunsanya
The Kaduna State Police Command has said it arrested no fewer than 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and rescued seven abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state in March and April 2026.
The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he outlined the command’s achievements in its ongoing fight against violent crimes.
Muhammad said the operations, driven by intelligence gathering and strategic deployments, also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 rustled cows.
“Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims,” he said.
The police boss noted that among the breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally made Dane guns were recovered.
“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.
He added that two suspected kidnappers were also apprehended on April 11 in Makarfi LGA.
“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.
The commissioner further disclosed that several informants aiding bandits were also arrested during the period under review.
“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialised in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.
In a related development, the command intercepted a consignment of ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn.
“On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice,” the CP added.
Muhammad also disclosed that a notorious drug dealer identified as Mohammed Sani, popularly known as “Shanuna,” was arrested in Rigasa for alleged involvement in drug peddling, phone snatching, and gang-related crimes.
He said, “The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs.”
The police further recorded success in tackling cattle rustling, with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 20 stolen cows in Giwa and Soba LGAs.
Similarly, operatives apprehended two suspected kidnappers linked to criminal activities in Kubau LGA, while another suspect was arrested in Lere LGA for alleged involvement in kidnapping operations.
Muhammad added that 13 suspects involved in armed robbery, phone snatching, and thuggery were arrested in Rigasa following a coordinated raid.
“All the suspects confessed to their involvement in armed robbery, shop breaking, and other criminal activities,” he said.
The command also arrested four suspects linked to motorcycle snatching and recovered a stolen TVS motorcycle, while another suspect was caught with stolen construction materials from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium site.
“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all law-abiding citizens,” Muhammad stated.
He assured residents that the command would sustain its operations until all criminal networks in the state were dismantled.
“We will not relent in our efforts until Kaduna State is safe for everyone,” he added.
The commissioner, however, appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible information.
“The cooperation of the public has been instrumental to these successes. We urge citizens to continue to partner with security agencies to build a safer society,” he said.
Muhammad also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership, and Governor Uba Sani for his support to security agencies in the state.
