Police arrest 41 suspected kidnappers, rescue 7 victims in Kaduna
By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
Kaduna State Police Command has recorded breakthroughs in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, arresting no fewer than 41 suspects and rescuing seven kidnapped victims within March and April 2026.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the achievements were made through intelligence-led operations and sustained crackdowns on criminal networks across the state.
He disclosed that the command also recovered 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition and 50 rustled cows during the period under review.
According to Muhammad, “These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all residents.”
Muhammad said one of the breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner, Samaila Ilyasu, in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally fabricated Dane guns were recovered.
He added that operatives also arrested multiple suspected kidnappers and informants in different parts of the state, including Makarfi, Kachia, Giwa and Kauru local government areas.
The police boss further disclosed that two suspects linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Kubau LGA were apprehended in a joint operation involving the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members.
In another operation, detectives intercepted a consignment of 200 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn, leading to the arrest of two suspects from Zamfara State.
Muhammad also revealed that operatives arrested a notorious drug dealer and gang member, identified as “Shanuna,” who had been terrorising residents in the Rigasa area of Kaduna metropolis.
On cattle rustling, the police boss said two suspects were arrested in connection with the theft of 20 cows in Soba and Giwa LGAs, while additional arrests were made involving kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates across the state.
He said the command also busted a gang involved in motorcycle snatching and arrested suspected receivers of stolen items, recovering a TVS motorcycle.
The commissioner attributed the successes to the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, as well as the support of the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring that the command would not relent until all criminal networks in the state are dismantled.