A suspected kidnapper, 30-year-old Manu Alhaji Sani of Wawa Village in Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe, has been arrested by a joint team of security forces, while three abducted victims were rescued during a clearance operation.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at about 8:00 am around suspected criminal hideouts in Kowagel, Dukku Local Government Area, and parts of Bojude, Kwami Local Government Area.
The operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilantes, and hunters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Dukku.
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According to the Gombe State Police Command, the operation followed sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and tackle kidnapping and illicit drug trafficking.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations across Dukku, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas alongside other members of his syndicate, who are currently at large.
Following his arrest and alleged confession, the joint team intensified its search and clearance operations in the surrounding areas, forcing members of the syndicate to abandon three abducted victims.
The rescued victims were identified as Hauwa Alhaji Sani, 44; Aishatu Alhaji Sani, 16; and Umaru Alhaji Sani, two, all residents of Jonde Village in Dukku Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of a Honda motorcycle with registration number BBB 29 UT and three keypad mobile phones.
The police said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
In a separate operation on the same day, at about 9:00 am, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol, in collaboration with Operation Hattara, intercepted a blue Peugeot 406 vehicle along the Liji-Biu Road following credible intelligence.
The vehicle, with registration number YDB 48 FL, was allegedly driven by 37-year-old Mohammed Abdullahi, alias ‘Babangida’, of Bomala Quarter, Gombe.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of 2,500 sachets of 100mg Tramadol capsules.
The suspect and exhibits are in police custody as investigation continues.
The Command commended the security operatives for their collaboration, vigilance, courage, resilience and swift response to credible intelligence.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and proactive operations against banditry, kidnapping, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report credible information about criminal activities to the nearest police formation or through its emergency contacts: 0815 056 7771 and 09036435359.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, and made available to journalists on Thursday.