Police arrest 523 ‘kidnappers, cattle rustlers’ in Kaduna

The Kaduna state police command says its operatives have arrested 523 suspected criminals and rescued 102 kidnapped victims.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, Kaduna state police commissioner, said during a press briefing on Monday that those arrested include 26 suspected kidnappers, 12 cattle rustlers, 97 phone snatchers, and 17 car snatchers, among others.

Abdullahi said the arrests were made within one month of his assumption of office.

The police commissioner stated that items recovered from the suspects include five AK-47 rifles, two pistols, a submachine gun, 105 rounds of live ammunition, 283 rustled cows, and 20 sheep.

“As we embark into the ember months, efforts have been intensified to tackle crime across the state. Black spots known for criminal activities were raided, leading to the arrest of over 350 suspects,” he said.

“Among those apprehended are suspects involved in phone snatching and Sara Suka, demonstrating a firm commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime during this critical period.”

Abdullahi added that on November 24, the command responded to a distress call reporting suspicious activities by bandits attempting to kidnap farmers harvesting beans in Idasu village, Kidandan, Giwa LGA.

He said a combined team of mobile and conventional police officers was mobilised to the location, where they engaged the bandits in a gun battle and rescued 89 kidnapped victims.

Abdullahi said operatives also arrested one Abdulmalik Aliyu on November 10 for attacking and robbing one Isah Musa along Layin Wanki, Ungwan Shanu, Kaduna.

He said Aliyu, armed with a machete, cut off Musa’s wrist and stole his VINO motorcycle, valued at N450,000.

The police commissioner added that on November 20, officers from the Anchau police division arrested Danladi Lawal, a suspected kidnapper, for abducting one person and collecting N4.5 million as ransom.

“These achievements underscore the Kaduna state police command’s dedication to tackling crime and safeguarding lives and property,” he added.

Abdullahi assured the public that the command remains committed to maintaining law and order across the state.

“We will continue to strengthen community policing and remain resolute in the fight against all forms of criminality,” he said.