The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of six suspected kidnappers and the rescue of victims in Kaduna State.
The breakthrough was achieved by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), who apprehended the suspects on April 3, 2026. Those arrested were identified as Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28).
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating within Kaduna State and surrounding areas. The group is believed to have strong links to criminal hideouts in Rijana Forest, a location long associated with banditry and abduction activities.
Police findings further revealed the syndicate’s involvement in several high-profile kidnapping incidents, including the abduction 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 eventually rescued unharmed, while efforts to secure the release of the officer are ongoing.
The suspects have also been linked to the kidnapping of other victims, including 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’ rescue.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue remaining victims, and recover weapons used by the group.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid,in a statement reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF to intensify efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
