The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and three alleged arms traffickers in a string of intelligence-led operations across northern Nigeria, including Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa, and other states.
The operations also led to the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the arrests were made through joint efforts involving the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department (FID-STS), the Taraba State Police Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
“On April 25, 2025, four individuals suspected of planning a kidnap operation were apprehended in Mararaban Abbare, Lau LGA of Taraba State,” Adejobi stated.
Those arrested were identified as Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako. Officers recovered two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47, six magazines, and 45 rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
Earlier, another coordinated raid targeted a kidnapping syndicate operating across six states Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna. Five more suspects were arrested, and additional weapons were confiscated.
In a separate operation on April 17, operatives in Kaduna State detained Isa Ibrahim, who admitted he relocated to form a new kidnapping ring after his former associates were captured in Kwara State.
On the same day, police arrested two others, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, in Lamido village, Lere LGA. Both confessed to involvement in the kidnapping.
On April 18, three suspected gun runners, Bajo Badun, Magaji Abdullahi, and Ishiyaku Ali were apprehended in Kaduna. Authorities said they were caught with fabricated AK-47 rifles and other weapon parts.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the success of the operations, emphasizing the Force’s ongoing dedication to tackling violent crime.
“The Nigeria Police remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard lives and property,” he said while urging the public to support security efforts by sharing credible and timely intelligence.