Police neutralise four suspected kidnappers, rescue two victims in Kaduna
Kaduna Police Neutralize Four Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command reported the neutralization of four suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims during recent operations in the Ikara and Makarfi Local Government Areas.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), led to the arrest of 12 individuals believed to be connected to criminal activities. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, two locally made guns, three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and a military camouflage T-shirt.
According to the command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, the operation in Ikara took place around 5 a.m. on September 16, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police. The Divisional Police Officer in Ikara led a team of law enforcement and KADVS personnel to the residence of Haruna Yakubu in Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village.
Upon arrival, the team encountered armed resistance, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, police successfully rescued two kidnapping victims and neutralized four suspects. Three of the identified suspects—Kabiru Haruna, Suleman Abdulkarim, and Yusuf Haruna, also known as Burgagau—are residents of Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village. The fourth suspect remains unidentified.
In addition to the operational success against suspected kidnappers, authorities arrested 12 individuals believed to be linked to various criminal activities in the area. The arrested suspects include Yahaya Hassan, 60; Usman Hassan, 40; Abdul Muminu Hassan, 35; and several others ranging from 20 to 57 years old, all from Yoromowa and surrounding areas. Police are currently investigating their connections to local criminal networks.
In a separate operation on September 15, police operatives from the Makarfi Division, in cooperation with KADVS, conducted a clearance operation in the Arabu Forest Reserve. This search covered the area from Durum to the banks of the Arabu River, which borders Soba Local Government Area. As a result, officers recovered two locally made guns, three sacks of dried leaves, and a military camouflage T-shirt.
The Kaduna State Police Command indicated that joint patrols and clearance operations will persist to deter criminal elements from regrouping or establishing new hideouts.
Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu commended the efforts of police personnel, KADVS members, and the public for their support and timely information that contributed to the operations’ successes. He reiterated the command’s dedication to intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and enhancing security throughout Kaduna State.
