The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and rescued several victims during a targeted operation in Kaduna State.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) on April 3, 2026, in what police described as a major operational breakthrough.
The suspects—Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28)—are believed to be part of a gang operating across Kaduna and neighbouring areas, with links to criminal hideouts in the Rijana Forest.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the group was involved in multiple kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. Police said the suspects collected a ransom of ₦24 million and other valuables but failed to release the victims until operatives intervened, leading to the rescue of the officer’s son. Efforts to secure the release of the officer are ongoing.
The suspects are also linked to the abduction of other victims, including a child and members of the same family, where ₦18 million was reportedly paid before police operations led to their rescue.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue remaining victims, and recover weapons used in the crimes.
