Eric Patrick
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday said it arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in coordinated operations across the country, recovering a cache of weapons and rescuing an 80-year-old woman.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and shared on the NPF’s X handle, the operations were carried out by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the Jigawa State Police Command.
In the FCT, police operatives foiled a planned robbery and carjacking operation by a notorious gang. Acting on credible intelligence, officers intercepted the suspects in Maitama as they prepared to strike. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, resulting in the death of one of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, popularly known as Babanle.
“Seven other suspects were arrested at the scene,” the statement said. They include Ibrahim Muhammad (22, ex-convict), Abubakar Abdullahi (22), Sarajo Yusuf (20), Sanusi Ali (51), Abubakar Sani, Isiaka Adamu (ex-convict), and Abdullahi Isah.
Recovered items included four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle.
In a separate operation in Jigawa State, police rescued an 80-year-old woman, Hajiya Hajara, who had been abducted from Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State.
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Intelligence revealed that 12 armed bandits had kidnapped the elderly woman and were moving her through Jigawa State. Police, supported by local security outfits, raided the gang’s hideout between Danzomo and Medi villages. A fierce gunfight followed, resulting in the deaths of five kidnappers and the arrest of five others, including the suspected kingpin, Yahaya (35).
“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. She has since been discharged,” the statement said.
Exhibits recovered from the operation included two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
