In a series of coordinated operations around the state in March and April 2026, the Kaduna State Police Command reportedly apprehended no fewer than 41 alleged kidnappers, armed robbers and rescued seven abducted victims.
Rabiu Muhammad, the state commissioner of police, revealed this on Monday while outlining the command’s accomplishments in its continuous battle against violent crimes at a news conference in Kaduna.
According to Muhammad, the operations, which were motivated by strategic deployments and intelligence collection, also resulted in the recovery of 50 rustled cows, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 24 guns.
The Command achieved notable victories throughout the reviewed period, especially in the battle against abduction and other violent crimes.
“Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims,” he said.
The police boss noted that among the breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally made Dane guns were recovered.
“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.
He further mentioned that on April 11, two alleged kidnappers were captured in Makarfi LGA.
“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.
The commissioner further revealed that during the period under consideration, a number of informants who assisted bandits were also taken into custody.
“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialized in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.
In a related occurrence, a shipment of ammunition hidden in a bag of guinea corn was confiscated by the command.
The CP said, “On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice.”
Muhammad further said that Mohammed Sani, better known as “Shanuna,” a well-known drug dealer, had been arrested in Rigasa on suspicion of involvement in gang-related offences, drug dealing, and phone snatching.
“The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs,” he stated.
Two individuals were apprehended and twenty stolen cows were found in Giwa and Soba LGAs, demonstrating the police’s continued effectiveness in combating cattle rustling.
In a similar vein, two suspected kidnappers connected to criminal activity were captured by operatives in Kubau LGA, and another suspect was detained in Lere LGA on suspicion of participating in kidnapping operations.
Muhammad disclosed that a coordinated operation in Rigasa led to the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of armed robbery, phone theft, and thuggery.
He noted that the suspects admitted to participating in crimes including armed robbery, shop break-ins, and other illicit activities.
In a separate development, the command apprehended four individuals connected to motorcycle theft and successfully recovered a stolen TVS motorcycle. Another suspect was also arrested in possession of construction materials stolen from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium site.
Muhammad emphasized that these successes reflect the command’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities across Kaduna State and maintaining a secure environment for law-abiding residents.
Residents were reassured by him that the command would continue to operate until all criminal networks in the state were destroyed.
“Until Kaduna State is safe for everyone, we will not give up on our efforts,” he continued.
Nonetheless, the commissioner urged locals to keep providing reliable information to the police.
The public’s cooperation has been crucial to these accomplishments. In order to create a safer society, we implore citizens to keep working with security services,” he stated.
Muhammad also thanked Governor Uba Sani for his assistance to the state’s security agencies and Inspector-General of Police Olutunji Rilwan Disu for his leadership.
Ismaila Ibrahim, a kidnapping mastermind, was apprehended by the people of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area on Monday. Mallam Jamilu, a cow dealer in Ibillo, recognised Ibrahim.
The suspect was taken into custody on Thursday, according to Dr. Bode Ekundayo, National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People. Another person was also taken into custody following a confessional statement.
