…As operatives nab 2 cattle rustlers, 2 notorious gun runners; foil kidnapping attempt, recover 1 fabricated AK-47 with Ammunition.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Bandits have changed tactics, as the terror group now calls on residents with threats on phone to demand for payment of ransom or be kidnapped from their homes.
In somewhat new bandits’ tactics, in Kaduna, one Shafiu Abdullahi has allegedly reported to ‘Operation Fushin Kada’ Police security that he had been receiving threats on phone calls demanding for 10 million naira, with the callers threatening to also kidnap him, if the ransom was not paid.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the State Command’s Police spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Sunday.
Earlier, the police release on Sunday stated that, “On August 22, 2024, Police Operatives, acting on a credible intelligence report, conducted a successful raid on a hideout used by a notorious syndicate involved in the rustling of cattle from innocent farmers in the Kasuwa Magani area of Kujama, Kaduna.
“During the operation, the Police apprehended two suspects: Aminu Saleh, a 25-year-old male, and Jafar Ibrahim, a 24-year-old male. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and revealed that they had been working with four other syndicate members, who are currently at large.
“In the same vein, On August 22, 2024, One Shafiu Abdullahi reported to Operation Fushin Kada, that he had been receiving threatening phone calls demanding 10 million naira, with the callers threatening to kidnap him, if the ransom was not paid,” it stated.
The statement further read in parts: “The Tracking and Response Team immediately took action, using advanced techniques to locate and apprehend the suspects.
“The suspects arrested are: Umar Baso, Shehu Filani, and Babangida Abdulkarim, all residents of Soba and Kajuru L.G.A., Kaduna State. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime, providing detailed accounts of their actions.
“Additionally, On August 24, 2024, the Operatives arrested two suspects involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States.
“The suspects, identified as Dahiru Liman, a 47 years’ old of Garin Kurama Village, Lere LGA Kaduna State, and Sani Abdullahi Makeri, a 45 years’ old of Kankara LGA Katsina State, were apprehended with one fabricated AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 9mm live ammunition recovered during the operation. The suspects confessed to the crime and their long-term involvement in other illegal activities.
“Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP AUDU ALI DABIGI, psc, calls on the public to stay vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to strengthen the collective effort in maintaining security across the state.
“He reassures residents that the Command is unwavering in its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding the well-being of all citizens,” it added.