The Nigerian Police Force has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and three alleged gun runners in a series of operations across multiple states, recovering an array of arms and ammunition.

Force spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed the arrests, stressing the police’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring public safety. The operations, driven by credible intelligence, underscore the force’s dedication to protecting citizens.

On April 25, 2025, the Federal Investigation Department (FID) Special Tactical Squad (STS), in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups, apprehended four suspected kidnappers in Mararaban Abbare, Lau Local Council.

The suspects, identified as Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako, were allegedly planning an operation. Recovered from them were two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Adejobi stated that prior intelligence had flagged a kidnapping gang operating across Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna states. A raid on the gang’s hideout led to the arrest of five suspects: Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel, and Haruna Adamu. They were found with three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four AK-47 magazines.

In Kaduna State on April 17, police arrested Isa Ibrahim, a suspected kidnapper who admitted to forming a new gang after the arrest of his accomplices in Kwara State. On the same day, two suspects, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, were apprehended in Lamido village, Lere Council, for alleged involvement in local kidnappings.

Further operations in Kaduna on April 18 led to the arrest of two suspected gun runners, Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi, with two fabricated AK-47 rifles. Another suspect, Ishiyaku Ali, was intercepted on the Kauru-Pambegua Road with two locally-fabricated rifles and a concealed long chain.

Adejobi confirmed that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.