The Niger State Police Command has announced the arrest of six suspects allegedly connected to a kidnapping syndicate operating across state lines, with the gang’s activities spanning the Suleja and Kontagora axis and extending into Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspects allegedly used private vehicles to lure unsuspecting passengers by offering them lifts, before drugging and abducting them to hideouts in neighbouring states.
According to the police, investigations into the syndicate were triggered by the abduction of a woman and her baby in Suleja on February 7, 2026. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of 50 million naira and collected 9.5 million naira before the woman managed to escape.
Police said the suspects went on to use the victim’s abandoned phone and ATM card to target a second woman, who was abducted in Shagari, Sokoto State, while travelling to Kontagora. The gang allegedly demanded a further 10.5 million naira from her.
The six suspects were arrested in a series of operations between July and August 2026. Among those apprehended was Abdullahi Sani, arrested in Zaria, from whom police say assorted charms were recovered. Sani reportedly confessed to arranging the abduction of some of his own clients on behalf of an alleged kingpin identified as Mustapha Yusuf.
Three other suspects, Mustapha Yusuf, Jafar and Fatima, remain at large, while the six suspects already in custody are undergoing further investigation ahead of possible prosecution.
The Police Command has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
