Troops nab ‘kidnap kingpins, informants’ in Oyo, FCT

The Nigerian Army says troops have nabbed some kidnap kingpins and informants in the federal capital territory (FCT) and Oyo state.

The army disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Friday.

It said the operations followed credible intelligence.

The post added that troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ajegunle Mpape, while targeting a notorious informant known for protecting kidnappers.

The soldiers also apprehended Ashiru Mohammed, an informant; with two female accomplices identified as Raham Abubakar and Sadiya Mohammmed.

The suspects were in possession of one beretta pistol, one pistol magazine and 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition, the army said.

It also revealed that five ATM cards from different banks, two mobile phones, and illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects who are currently being investigated.

In Oyo state, the army said troops raided a kidnap syndicate that operates around Sepeteri, in the Shaki area of the state.

Troops reportedly intercepted Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a suspected kidnapper, during a stop-and-search operation along the Igboho-Igbeti road, with N400,000 in cash found on him.

“During further investigation, Aliyu confessed to being involved in cattle rustling and kidnapping,” the statement reads.

“The suspects will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies after investigations.

“These coordinated operations are indicative of Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining security and combating criminal activities in synergy with other security agencies across the country.

“The arrests and seizures are expected to significantly disrupt the operations of kidnap syndicates and other criminal networks in the affected areas.”