Police foil kidnap attempt along Kaduna-Abuja highway, nab 3 suspects

The Kaduna State Police Command has successfully arrested three alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate that has been targeting travellers on the Kaduna-Abuja highway and neighbouring regions.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, shared the development in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday.

According to Hassan, the suspects, identified as Muhammad Lawal Abubakar (40), Abubakar Isah (40), and Samaila Saidu (65), were apprehended on November 5, 2024, during a targeted intelligence-led operation by the Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team.

An AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered from the suspects, the police spokesman revealed.

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During interrogation, all three suspects reportedly admitted to being part of a kidnapping network that has been terrorizing travelers on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

Hassan noted, “The syndicate has been linked to a string of violent incidents across the region, causing distress among residents and travelers alike.”

He added that the suspects are cooperating with authorities, providing valuable information to aid in the potential arrest of additional syndicate members and to support the recovery of more firearms in the group’s possession.

The newly appointed State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, was quoted as commending the operatives for their commitment, urging the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.

He emphasized, “The command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and will continue to deploy all resources necessary to dismantle criminal networks in the state.”