The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspected kidnappers and rescued several victims during a targeted operation in Kaduna State.
The operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placide.
He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on April 3, 2026 and identified them as Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28).
Preliminary findings by the police indicate that the suspects are part of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Kaduna State and nearby areas, with established links to criminal hideouts located in the Rijana Forest.
The police further revealed that the group has been connected to several abduction cases, including the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. It was gathered that despite receiving a ransom of ₦24 million and other valuables, the victims were not freed until police operatives intervened. The officer’s son has since been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the officer.
The suspects are also alleged to have participated in other kidnapping incidents involving multiple victims, including a child and members of the same family. In that case, a ransom of ₦18 million was reportedly paid before the victims were eventually rescued through coordinated police action.
The Nigeria Police Force stated that investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, recover weapons used in the operations, and ensure the safe rescue of any remaining victims.
The development highlights continued security operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and improving safety across affected regions.
