The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Kaduna State, rescuing several victims and launching a manhunt for other fleeing suspects.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) on April 3, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), Ahmed Musa (28), and one Yau Murtala.
According to police authorities, preliminary investigations revealed that the group is part of a larger kidnapping network with links to criminal camps in Rijana Forest.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the suspects were behind several high-profile abductions in the state.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Kaduna State and its environs, with links to criminal camps located in Rijana Forest,” he said.
Police disclosed that the gang was involved in the abduction of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. Despite collecting a ransom of ₦24 million and other items, the victims were not immediately released.
“Following swift police intervention, the officer’s son was successfully rescued unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the officer,” Placid added.
The suspects are also linked to other kidnapping cases, including the abduction of a young child and members of the same family, where a ransom of ₦18 million was reportedly paid before the victims were later rescued during police operations.
The police spokesperson assured that investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate, rescue any remaining victims, and recover weapons used by the group.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and bringing all perpetrators of crime to justice,” he said.
