The Kaduna State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against kidnapping and related crimes, arresting 12 suspects in recent operations. Eight suspected kidnappers and four suspected informants were apprehended in Millennium City and Maraban Rido, areas within Kaduna State. The arrests were a result of intensified clearance operations, targeted raids, and patrols conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
During the operations, the police recovered AK-47 rifles, which suggests that the suspects were heavily armed. Preliminary investigations revealed that two of the suspects allegedly confessed to leaking information about police operations to criminal elements. This disclosure of information on security movements and operations not only undermined security efforts but also endangered the lives of security personnel and residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of the suspects' involvement and identify other accomplices. The goal is to bring those connected to the alleged criminal activities to justice. The command assured residents that clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts would continue to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their activities, and facilitate the rescue of kidnapped victims.
In a move to bolster security in Millennium City and its environs, the Kaduna State Government has released three additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the police command. This is aimed at strengthening the command's operational capacity and enhancing security in the affected areas. The government has also taken steps to engage with the community, with a delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Malam Sani Kila, meeting with traditional rulers, community members, and other stakeholders on October 10, 2026.
At the meeting, Kila emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and urged residents, community leaders, landlords, and youth groups to report individuals suspected of aiding or abetting criminal activities. The Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical personnel, operational vehicles, and other security resources to the affected areas. This is to intensify surveillance, improve response times, and prevent further criminal activities.
Rabiu has urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to assist in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities. He also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station. The police command recognizes that Millennium City's location, largely surrounded by forested areas and on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, presents unique security challenges.
The Kaduna State Police Command's efforts to address security challenges in the area are ongoing. With continued community engagement, enhanced operational capacity, and collaborative efforts with other security agencies, the command aims to restore peace and security to the affected areas. Residents are being urged to support the police in their mission to eradicate kidnapping and other crimes.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Police Command arrested 12 suspects, including 8 kidnappers and 4 informants.
- The government has released additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to strengthen the police command's operational capacity.
- Residents are urged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to combat kidnapping and other crimes.
