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The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the arrest of 41 individuals linked to kidnapping and armed robbery, alongside the rescue of seven abducted individuals, following a series of targeted operations conducted throughout March and April 2026.
State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad presented the results at a news conference in Kaduna on Monday, detailing the command’s recent progress in curbing violent crime.
According to Muhammad, the operations relied on intelligence gathering and strategic deployments and also recovered 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 stolen cattle.
“Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Muhammad said.
“Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims.”
Among the notable cases, the commissioner mentions the April 7 arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally manufactured Dane guns were seized from a suspect named Samaila Ilyasu.
“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.
Muhammad said on April 11 that two individuals, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, were taken into custody in Makarfi LGA.
Both have admitted to participating in kidnapping activities, Muhammad said, adding that investigations continue.
“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.
The commissioner also revealed that during the period under review, several informants who assisted bandits were taken into custody.
“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialised in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.
In a related development, the command intercepted an ammunition shipment hidden in a bag of guinea corn.
“On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice,” the CP added.
Muhammad also revealed that Mohammed Sani, also known as “Shanuna,” a well-known drug dealer, had been arrested in Rigasa on suspicion of involvement in gang-related offences, drug peddling, and phone snatching.
“The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs.”
