The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate over the alleged abduction of an elderly man in Kaduna State.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were arrested during an investigation into the kidnapping of Alhaji Rabo Jelani, who was reportedly abducted for ransom by individuals believed to be close to him.
A statement by the Nigerian police force said investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently on the run, to carry out the abduction over claims that the elderly man possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
According to the police, the suspects were linked to a violent criminal network operating within Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.
Investigators further discovered that the gang acquired and used several AK-47 rifles for their operations.
The police disclosed that Ali Haruna allegedly supplied one of the rifles belonging to his father, while other weapons used by the syndicate were obtained through other members of the group.
During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.
Findings by investigators also showed that the victim was kidnapped on different occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly handled by Yusuf Rabo.
According to the police, the first abduction reportedly led to the payment of N2 million ransom, while another operation later generated N4.5 million.
The gang was also allegedly connected to other violent crimes in the area, including the abduction of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke, as well as an armed robbery operation along the Kagoma axis where commuters were reportedly robbed of cash and other valuables.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and other exhibits connected to the crimes.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes,” the statement said.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery gangs across the country through sustained intelligence-led operations.
