The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate linked to a series of violent crimes in Kaduna State and neighbouring communities, including the abduction of an elderly man allegedly masterminded by his own grandson.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
According to the statement, the suspects, Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were apprehended during investigations into the kidnapping of Alhaji Rabo Jelani. Police investigations revealed that Yusuf allegedly worked together with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently on the run, to abduct the elderly man for ransom over claims that he owned large amounts of wealth and livestock.
Investigators further discovered that the criminal syndicate operated with several AK-47 rifles used in carrying out their activities. Ali Haruna was alleged to have supplied one of the rifles belonging to his father, while other weapons were reportedly obtained by members of the gang. During the operation, police recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.
The police said findings showed that the victim was kidnapped on more than one occasion and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo. The first incident reportedly led to the payment of N2 million ransom, while another operation later generated N4.5 million.
The syndicate has also been connected to other criminal activities in the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke, as well as an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis where commuters were reportedly robbed of cash and valuables.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and other exhibits linked to the crimes.
The Force reiterated its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery gangs across the country while assuring the public of continued action against violent criminal networks.