Police arrest six kidnapping suspects, rescue victims in Kaduna

Abuja, Nigeria — May 5, 2026

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping, with the arrest of six notorious suspects and the rescue of victims in Kaduna State.

The operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), leading to the arrest of Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28) on April 3, 2026.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Kaduna State and surrounding areas, with links to criminal hideouts in the Rijana Forest.

Further findings indicate that the group was involved in several 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, successfully rescuing the officer’s son unharmed. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the officer.

The suspects are also linked to other abduction cases, including that of a young child and members of a family, where a ransom of ₦18 million was reportedly paid before the victims were rescued through coordinated police operations.

The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, rescue remaining victims, and recover weapons used by the criminal group.

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.