Security Forces Nab 13 Suspects for Kidnapping, Banditry, Cattle Rustling in Kaduna, Abuja
Security operatives have arrested thirteen individuals suspected of being part of a notorious criminal network involved in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and parts of Kaduna State, PRNigeria learnt.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated clearance operations conducted between July 5 and July 8 in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and the Gurara Dam area of Kaduna State. The operations were launched based on actionable intelligence, according to police sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama.
Among those arrested were six suspected kidnappers and bandits, five logistics suppliers, one informant, and a driver linked to the gang. Security operatives also recovered 15 rustled sheep during the raids.
The suspects were identified as Aminu Dalha, Babangida Abubakar, Mohammed Adams, Ardo Bawa Idris, Shehu Mohammed, Shaibu Jibrin, Isah Abdullahi, Tanko Yusuf, Sahabi Alhaji Sani, Umar Usman, Abdullahi Mohammed, Abubakar Suleiman, and Abdul Haruna—all adult males.
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Investigations revealed that the gang had carried out numerous attacks in forested areas across the FCT–Kaduna corridor, abducting victims for ransom and stealing livestock at gunpoint. One suspect, Aminu Dalha, reportedly confessed to receiving seven cows from the bandits—livestock that was later intercepted by security forces.
In an unexpected twist, Dalha said he was later kidnapped by the same bandits after being sent to collect more livestock from a remote camp. The gang demanded and received a ₦500,000 ransom before releasing him.
Victims identified as Alhaji Adamu Saidu from Gurara Dam, Yakubu Bello from Kagarko, and Ya’u Idris and Sani Jibrin, both from Gurara, positively identified some of the suspects as their attackers. The stolen animals were traced to suspect Shehu Mohammed in Gwagwalada.
All 13 suspects are currently in custody and undergoing intensive interrogation as investigations continue to dismantle the rest of the criminal network.
Security agencies have assured the public of sustained efforts to rid the region of criminal elements threatening peace and livelihoods.
By PRNigeria
