The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping with the arrest of six suspected members of a criminal syndicate and the rescue of victims in Kaduna State.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), leading to the arrest of Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28) on April 3, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a kidnapping network operating within Kaduna State and surrounding areas, with established links to criminal hideouts in Rijana Forest.
According to police findings, the syndicate was involved in several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. Despite collecting a ransom of ₦24 million and other valuables, the victims were not released until police operatives intervened. The officer’s son was successfully rescued unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the officer.
The suspects have also been linked to other kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of a young child and members of the same family. In that case, a ransom of ₦18 million was reportedly paid before police operations led to the victims’ eventual rescue.
The police said investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue any remaining victims, and recover weapons used by the group.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
