The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes following the arrest of two suspects linked to the abduction of an elderly man in Kaduna State.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were arrested in connection with charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a violent criminal syndicate operating within Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.
Police investigations further uncovered that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and one Ali Haruna, who is currently on the run, to abduct Alhaji Rabo Jelani for ransom.
Shockingly, Ali Haruna was identified as the victim’s grandson.
According to investigators, the suspects targeted the elderly victim based on claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
The police said the criminal gang coordinated multiple kidnapping operations against the victim and transported him to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were carried out.
Investigations showed that the first abduction reportedly generated a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000), while a second operation yielded Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦4,500,000).
Further findings also revealed that the syndicate acquired and deployed several AK-47 rifles for their operations.
Police disclosed that Ali Haruna allegedly supplied one of the rifles belonging to his father, while other weapons used by the gang were sourced through additional criminal associates.
During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.
The Nigeria Police Force also linked the syndicate to several other violent crimes within the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, where travellers were reportedly dispossessed of cash and valuables.
Police authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, as well as recover additional firearms and exhibits connected to the criminal activities.
The Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates operating across the country through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security actions.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups,” the statement noted.
The latest arrest comes amid ongoing nationwide security operations targeting kidnapping gangs and organised criminal networks responsible for violent attacks across several parts of Nigeria.
Discussion about this post