Police in Kaduna State have arrested 16 suspected kidnappers during coordinated operations, including six suspects allegedly linked to a counterfeit US dollar syndicate, as security agencies intensify efforts to tackle violent crime and financial fraud.
Kaduna is in the North-West region.
The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities, arresting 16 suspected kidnappers, dismantling a counterfeit currency syndicate, recovering stolen property worth millions of naira, and apprehending suspected gunrunners and drug suppliers.
Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the Command’s operational achievements over the past two weeks.
He said intensified intelligence-led operations across the state led to the arrest of several criminal suspects, the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, hard drugs, livestock and other valuables, as well as the neutralisation of some notorious kidnappers.
One of the major breakthroughs involved the arrest of six suspects linked to an alleged counterfeit United States dollar syndicate.
According to the police, the investigation began on July 21 with the arrest of a 20-year-old woman, who was allegedly caught attempting to exchange suspected fake dollar notes for Nigerian currency. Further investigations led to the arrest of two other suspects, both of Ramin Kura Village, who were alleged to have supplied the counterfeit notes. The operation later uncovered and dismantled the wider network, resulting in additional arrests.
In a separate operation on July 25, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State. The suspects, identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha, were allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and reportedly confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits.
The police also announced the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin, Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala”, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Muhammad said the suspect allegedly confessed to masterminding several kidnapping operations in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State and parts of neighbouring Kano State. He was also said to have admitted involvement in the killing of two members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group during an attack last year. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition during the operation.
The Command further recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly stolen from a mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna. One suspect was arrested in possession of the vehicle in Zaria, while another was apprehended for allegedly producing duplicate vehicle keys used by car theft syndicates.
In Zaria Local Government Area, police patrol teams responding to a distress call engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun duel after the attackers allegedly invaded Damanko Village. The suspects fled into nearby bushes, abandoning 80 cattle and 10 sheep, which were subsequently recovered. Two livestock owners injured during the attack are currently receiving treatment.
Another major recovery involved 190 solar inverters valued at approximately ₦69 million and 10 lithium batteries worth about ₦9 million. The items were recovered from a warehouse in Zaria and are suspected to have been stolen from a container transporting goods to the town. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.
On July 31, operatives acting on intelligence arrested two suspects over their alleged involvement in supplying hard drugs to bandits operating around Kasuwar Magani. Police said a large quantity of illicit drugs worth millions of naira was recovered, while efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the network.
Summarising the Command’s achievements within the period under review, the Commissioner said police recovered 10 firearms of various calibres, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets and a total of 410 cattle.
Muhammad commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and bravery, assuring residents that the offensive against criminal elements would be sustained through collaboration with other security agencies, including the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilante groups.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance safety and security across Kaduna State.
