The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 12 suspects in connection with recent kidnapping incidents in the state. The suspects, comprising eight alleged kidnappers and four informants, were arrested during intensified security operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido. The operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies through clearance exercises, targeted raids, and patrols. The police also recovered AK-47 rifles, although further details about the recovered weapons have not been disclosed.
The Kaduna State Government has released three additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to strengthen police operations and tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the affected communities. The deployment of the armoured vehicles aims to boost security operations in Millennium City and surrounding areas. The government approved the release of the APCs in response to security challenges in the area, with a view to enhancing the command's operational capacity.
The eight suspected kidnappers identified by the police are Dauda Murna, Usman Abdullahi, Abubakar Sulaiman, Saleh Abdullahi, Usman Muhammed, Mathias Moses, Makama John, and Tafarki Audu. The four suspected informants are Shuaibu Sabiu, Audu Makama, Simon Moses, and Amadu Mathew. Preliminary investigations indicate that two of the suspects allegedly confessed to leaking information about police operations to criminal elements.
The police have expressed concern over the alleged activities of individuals suspected of supplying kidnappers with intelligence on security movements and operations. Such information leaks are considered a serious threat to efforts to combat crime. The command emphasized that credible information from residents is vital to identifying suspected collaborators of criminal gangs and preventing further attacks.
A government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Malam Sani Kila, met with traditional rulers, community members, and other stakeholders in the affected areas on October 10 to discuss the security situation. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among residents, community leaders, the government, and security agencies to address the growing threat of kidnapping. Kila emphasized the need for collective action to maintain peace and public safety.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station. Rabiu ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical personnel, operational vehicles, and other security resources to the affected communities to strengthen ongoing operations. The deployment aims to intensify surveillance, improve response times, and prevent further criminal activities.
The police command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that security operations will be sustained. The command urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to assist efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities. Key efforts to address kidnapping in Kaduna include increased security operations, community engagement, and equipment deployment.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Police Command arrested 12 suspects in connection with kidnapping incidents.
- The state government released three additional Armoured Personnel Carriers to boost security operations.
- Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist security efforts.
