The Jigawa State Police Command has dismantled a major kidnapping gang, killing five suspects and arresting five others, including the gang leader. Police also arrested 25 more suspects for various crimes across the state.
This was revealed on Wednesday by the State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Dutse.
According to Abdullahi, the operation targeted a 12-man kidnapping syndicate operating between Jigawa and Kano States. The gang had recently abducted an 80-year-old woman from Kano and tried to move her through Jigawa before police intercepted them.
“Based on intelligence, our officers from Gumel, Garki, Sule Tankarkar, and other divisions, supported by vigilantes and local hunters, engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. Five of them were killed, and five arrested, including their leader Yahya, who was injured,” he said.
The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, a machine gun, live ammunition, motorcycles, and mobile phones during the operation. The kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed and has been reunited with her family.
In separate operations, police arrested 14 suspects for criminal conspiracy, illegal assembly, and possession of drugs such as Exol-5, Tramadol, and Indian hemp. Four more suspects were caught with counterfeit US dollars and naira notes, while others were nabbed for forgery and fraud.
The police also rescued a 7-year-old boy who had been tortured by a neighbor in Gwaram Local Government Area. The suspect is now facing prosecution.
Commending his officers, CP Abdullahi said: “Our men showed great bravery, and we thank the local vigilantes, hunters, and Yan Bulala for their support. We remain committed to ensuring no criminal finds refuge in Jigawa.”
He urged residents to continue assisting security agencies with timely and useful information. Some suspects have already been charged in court, while others are still under investigation.
