Kidnapper nabbed after Abuja victim identified him days after abduction

Security operatives have arrested one of the suspects involved in the kidnapping of two herders and a driver near Daku community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The suspect was apprehended at the Izom Cattle Market in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

The arrest follows the abduction incident that occurred on June 9, 2025, a few kilometers from Daku community. According to reports, the victims were returning from the Izom market where they had gone to sell cattle when they were ambushed and taken away by gunmen.

The abductors of the herders alongside the driver reportedly collected N15 million ransom before the victims were set free.

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A member of the vigilante group, Ishaku Daniel, said the suspect was nabbed at Izom cattle market, after one of the victims identified him, around 4pm, on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

He said the suspect, who was neatly dressed in Kaftan came to the cattle market to buy some items.

He said the vigilantes immediately mobilized to the market and apprehended the suspect, even as he said a mob who got information about the arrest almost lynched the suspect.

He said the vigilantes discovered packets of cigarettes, tramadol, cough syrups and Indian hemp concealed inside a sack the suspect was carrying.

Daniel, said the vigilantes later handed over the suspect to some security operatives who came from Lambata, still in Niger.

A security source who preferred anonymity, also confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

“He has already confessed to be a member of the kidnap gang as he is still in custody, while investigation is ongoing to trace other gang members,” he said.

Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comment. As of the time of filling this report, as his line was unreachable.