Nigerian Police Arrest Three Kidnappers In Abuja, 16 Other Suspects, Recover cheque and Sophisticated Firearms

Nigerian Police have made significant strides in combating criminal activities in Abuja, as they recently arrested three kidnappers and 16 other suspects while recovering a cache of sophisticated firearms. The arrests were made possible through the efforts of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), a unit launched by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to enhance security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The successful operation was a result of collaborative efforts between the SIS, the Department of Force Intelligence - Intelligence Response Team (DFI-IRT), the FCT Command Anti-Violent Crimes Section, Anti-kidnapping Section, and other State Commands. The coordinated efforts of these units led to the arrest of the three Bwari-based kidnappers: Idris Ishaku, Bala Umar, and Dahiru Salisu, all aged 27. These individuals were responsible for a series of armed robbery cases and kidnappings in the Bwari Local Government Area and other parts of Abuja.

Additionally, the combined team of operatives apprehended 13 other suspects involved in various criminal activities. The police force's proactive approach was highlighted in the foiling of another kidnapping plot through technical intelligence, resulting in the arrest of the three Bwari-based kidnappers and the recovery of weapons from them.

Providing further details on the operation, Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated, "In a proactive move, following a report on the abduction of a victim from his house along with his Hilux Van, Police Operatives in an intelligence-propelled investigation discovered that the victim was being taken to Kano State but was dispossessed of his ATM cards at Kaduna, while the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) was transferred from his account."

Adejobi further revealed that one of the suspects, Chinaza Philip Okoye Michael, was arrested during the interception at a filling station in Kaduna. The victim was successfully rescued, and the stolen Hilux Van was recovered. It was discovered that Michael and his accomplices had previously been arrested in November 2023 and charged with similar offenses. However, they had continued to commit even more severe crimes while out on court bail.

In another operation, operatives of the DFI-IRT office intercepted a gunrunner named Everest Magaji during negotiations with notorious bandits for the purchase and supply of illicit firearms and ammunition. The police recovered eleven pistols and two pump-action guns from the suspect.

These achievements underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, to ensure the safety and security of the country. The IGP urges all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, as this collective effort is crucial in creating a safe haven for everyone in Nigeria.