The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate linked to the abduction of an elderly man in Kaduna State.
The suspects, Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were picked up during investigations into the kidnapping of Alhaji Rabo Jelani. Police said the elderly man was abducted for ransom by individuals believed to be close to him.
Investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and the victim’s grandson, Ali Haruna, who is still at large, to carry out the abduction. The gang reportedly targeted the man over claims that he owned substantial wealth and livestock.
Police say the group is linked to a violent criminal network operating in Kaduna State and neighboring communities. Officers also found that the syndicate used several AK-47 rifles in their operations. One of the rifles was allegedly supplied by Ali Haruna from his father’s possession, while others were obtained through other gang members.
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During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine. Investigators further discovered that the victim was kidnapped on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts, where ransom negotiations were allegedly handled by Yusuf Rabo. The first abduction reportedly led to the payment of N2 million, while a later operation generated N4.5 million.
The gang is also suspected of being behind other violent crimes in the area, including the abduction of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery along the Kagoma axis where commuters were robbed of cash and valuables.
Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest Ali Haruna and recover more weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes. The Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery gangs across the country through intelligence-led operations.
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