The Niger State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against insecurity, dismantling a notorious kidnapping syndicate and recovering 10 AK-47 rifles during a coordinated month-long operation.
The State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, disclosed this during a press briefing in Minna, highlighting the command’s intensified intelligence-led operations across key flashpoints in the state and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Commissioner, the July operations led to the arrest of 71 suspects, recovery of 15 AK-47 magazines, and seizure of 330 rounds of live ammunition. Several kidnapped victims were also rescued during the crackdown.
Elleman revealed that the success followed months of surveillance targeting armed gangs terrorising communities in Garam, Chachi, Ijah-Gwari, Ijah-Koro, Gauraka, and along the Kaduna Road corridor.
The alleged kingpin of the syndicate, identified as Samaila Ilya, also known as “Yakumujuri,” was apprehended on July 10 at Kpakungu Roundabout in Minna. He had earlier escaped during a gun battle with police operatives in Bwari, Abuja.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in multiple kidnapping operations in Gauraka, Kubwa, and Bwari. He also disclosed the killing of a victim’s son despite the payment of ransom before the victim was eventually released.
Related News:
Niger Police Arrest 9 Over Suleja Murder and Robbery Ring
Police Arrest Suspected Child Traffickers, Rescue Four Children in Niger
Niger Police Arrest Two Over Car Theft, Recover Stolen Vehicles
The police boss stated that actionable intelligence from the suspect led to the discovery of hidden arms in Gauraka forest and Bwari, where additional rifles and ammunition were recovered. Five other members of the gang were also arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued during follow-up operations.
In a separate operation, officers intercepted a suspect, Zubairu Mohammed, in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area, while transporting five AK-47 magazines and 185 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag of cement. Investigations are ongoing to identify the intended recipients.
The command also recorded arrests linked to armed robbery, homicide, and violent clashes across the state. Additionally, nine children and an abducted infant were rescued within the period.
Recovered items include 17 stolen goats, four cows, three motorcycles, and two vehicles. Other exhibits seized include cartons of tramadol, cannabis, cutlasses, locally made pistols, ATM cards, POS machines, mobile phones, face masks, assorted clothing, and cash totaling ₦352,000.
Describing the operations as a significant blow to organised crime, CP Elleman assured residents that the police would sustain ongoing efforts to track down fleeing suspects. He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to aid security operations.
The Niger State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive and intelligence-driven policing strategies.
About the Author
