The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, while rescuing seven abducted victims during coordinated operations carried out between March and April 2026.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna, noting that the achievements were the result of intelligence-driven strategies and sustained security efforts.
He said, “Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes. Through intelligence-led policing, we arrested 41 suspects and rescued seven kidnapped victims.”
According to him, the operations also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and about 50 rustled cows.
Muhammad highlighted a major breakthrough recorded on April 7 in Kagarko Local Government Area, where operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspected gunrunner, identified as Samaila Ilyasu, and recovered 20 locally fabricated Dane guns.
“Following credible intelligence, our operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he said.
He further revealed that two suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, were arrested on April 11 in Makarfi LGA for their alleged involvement in kidnapping activities.
“The suspects have confessed to participating in kidnapping operations, and investigations are ongoing,” the police commissioner added.
The command also cracked down on individuals accused of aiding criminal groups.
Muhammad said several informants were apprehended, including one Ali Usman, who was allegedly providing intelligence to bandits, and two others, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu, accused of supplying logistics and illicit drugs.
In another operation, police intercepted a cache of ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn.
“On April 1, our operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects who admitted transporting the items to an accomplice currently at large,” he said.
Muhammad also announced the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as “Shanuna,” in Rigasa, describing him as a notorious figure linked to drug peddling, phone snatching, and gang-related crimes.
“The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs,” he stated.
In efforts to curb cattle rustling, the police arrested two suspects and recovered 20 stolen cows in Giwa and Soba LGAs. Additional arrests were made in Kubau and Lere LGAs, where suspects linked to kidnapping operations were apprehended.
The commissioner also disclosed 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 related offences,” he said.
Muhammad reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against criminal networks across the state.
“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure safety for all residents. We will not relent until the state is secure,” he assured.
He called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial in the fight against crime.
“The support of residents has been instrumental to our success so far. We urge the public to keep partnering with the police to build a safer society,” he added.
