A 55-year-old man suspected to be a notorious kidnapper has been arrested by troops of the Joint Task Force in Sumana village, located in Tundun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State. The arrest, which took place during a recent security operation, is being hailed as a major step in the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the North.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was apprehended on April 20 and is believed to have played a leading role in various kidnapping activities across the region. He is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation by security operatives.
The arrest was officially confirmed in a statement issued to the press by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Kano.
According to Capt. Zubairu, the operation also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other critical items believed to be used by the suspect and his criminal network.
Among the items recovered were:
– One fabricated AK-47 rifle
– One Den gun
– Nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition
– A woodland camouflage uniform
– A desert camouflage outfit
– A woodland camouflage vest
– A Bajaj motorcycle seat suspected to be used for concealing weapons
These discoveries point to a well-organized group involved in serious criminal activity, including armed attacks and abductions. The use of military-style gear and customized weapons highlights the growing threat of banditry and organized crime in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The statement noted that the suspect was paraded before Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, Commander of the 3 Brigade, who visited the troops to celebrate the Easter festivities with them at the Forward Operating Base in Falgore, Doguwa Local Government Area, also in Kano State.
Brig. Gen. Tukur commended the soldiers for their bravery, swift action, and professionalism in the operation.
“This arrest is a clear message that criminal elements will not go unpunished. The Nigerian Army is fully committed to restoring peace and protecting the lives and properties of our people,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to work closely with local authorities and communities to tackle the rising wave of criminality.
The arrest comes amid rising security challenges in Northern Nigeria, where kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery have continued to disrupt lives and livelihoods. Tundun Wada and surrounding areas have in recent years experienced attacks by heavily armed gangs who often target villagers, travelers, and even local officials.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major source of income for these criminal groups, leading to fear and displacement in many rural communities. In response, the Nigerian Army has intensified military operations in affected areas, deploying troops and setting up forward bases to respond quickly to threats.
Kano State, though relatively more peaceful than other northern states like Kaduna or Zamfara, has not been completely spared from the insecurity affecting the region. In recent months, several communities have reported incidents of abductions and robbery along rural roads and farm settlements.
The arrested suspect is currently undergoing interrogation, and preliminary investigations are ongoing to uncover his connections and possible accomplices. Authorities believe the information he provides could lead to more arrests and help dismantle other criminal cells operating in the area.
The Nigerian Army has not disclosed how long the suspect has been under surveillance, but officers hinted that the operation was part of a larger plan to track down major figures behind the wave of kidnappings in the North.
Capt. Zubairu, in his statement, assured the public that more operations are underway and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security post.
### Citizens React
The news of the arrest has been met with relief by many residents of Kano and neighboring communities. In Tundun Wada, some locals expressed gratitude to the Army and called for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace.
“This gives us hope,” said Malam Bashir, a farmer from the area. “We pray that the government will continue to support the troops and help them clean up our villages.”
Others urged authorities to go beyond arrests and prosecute suspects swiftly, to send a strong message to others involved in crime.
### Final Word
This latest breakthrough by the Nigerian Army highlights both the scale of the security challenges facing the North and the importance of coordinated action to address them. While there is still much work to be done, the arrest of a key kidnapping suspect is a promising development in the fight to reclaim Nigeria’s communities from the grip of fear.
“We will not relent in our efforts to bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice,” Brig. Gen. Tukur declared.
For now, the people of Sumana village and surrounding areas can sleep a little easier, knowing that one more dangerous suspect is off the streets. But the battle against insecurity is far from over. The hope is that with continued support, coordination, and courage, peace can return to every corner of Nigeria.
