NIGERIA: Police Arrest Six Linked to Kaduna Kidnap Network, Victims Rescued

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and rescued victims during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) on April 3, 2026.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.

According to the police, the suspects,Yusuf Shuaibu, Abubakar Bature, Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman, Abdul Kareem Nuhu, and Ahmed Musa, are linked to a kidnapping network operating within Kaduna State and its environs, with connections to criminal camps in Rijana Forest.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was involved in multiple abduction cases, including the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025.

The statement reads: “Despite collecting a ransom of ₦24 million and other items, the victims were not released until police operatives intervened, leading to the successful rescue of the officer’s son unharmed.”

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted officer.

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

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, recover weapons, and rescue remaining victims.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening security operations ac

ross affected areas.