Police Arrest 11 Notorious Kidnappers, Recover Seven AK47 Rifles, 121 Live Ammunition, Others

Odili Ogochukwu –

Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has assured Nigerians of sustained efforts to make the Nation crime-free.

The Police Boss disclosed this while reacting to the arrest of eleven (11) notorious kidnappers by the Operatives of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team in Taraba State.

Africa Investigative Magazine gathered that some of the suspects were apprehended in connection to the criminal roles they played at various kidnapped and armed robbery cases in the state.

It was further gathered that a customs officer and a relative of Emir of Jalingo were recently kidnapped, and a Police Sergeant was killed at Jalingo.

It was verified that the kidnappers were also on the wanted list of Taraba State Police Command, and were linked to the recent criminal cases in the state.

The Taraba State Police Command in a combined effort of the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team arrested the suspects in their various hideouts in the State.

The suspects who were all indigenes of Taraba State, were Luka Adam, Shuaibu Nuhu, Moses Amos, Peters Mashi, Ahmadu Mallam, Adamu Mohammed.

Others were Dahiru Mallam Dalha, Gambo Isah, Sanusi Ahmadu, Mallam Mohammed Mauludu, and Ibrahim Idi.

Two of the suspects, Gambo Isah and Sanusi Ahmasu in their recent operation attacked security operatives, killing a police sergeant and injuring a police inspector to escape arrest.

The recovered exhibits during raids of various hideouts of the suspects in the State were seven (7) AK47 rifles, two (2), and Beretta pistols.

Others were one hundred and twenty-one (121) rounds of live ammunition of different caliber, four (4) magazines, masks, illicit drugs, and other incriminating items.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CP Frank Mba, “Investigations further revealed that the modi operandi of the suspects include trailing individuals – Business owners, Government Functionaries, motorists with flashy and exotic cars, etc – to their houses and thereafter planning and executing the kidnap of such persons.

“They also collect huge sums of money as ransom from relatives and friends of their victims before their release.

“The Police in the course of investigations equally identified and raided various criminal hideouts where kidnap victims are usually kept. While cache of weapons and other incriminating items were recovered from the hideouts, all the kidnap victims held hostage at the various hideouts were carefully and successfully rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, investigators are intensifying efforts at arresting other suspects currently at large. All the suspects will be charged to court on completion of investigations,” Frank Mba assured.

While commending the people of Taraba State for supporting the Police especially in providing useful information that helped in the arrest of the suspects, Usman Alkali Baba assured that the Police will continue to partner with all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the Taraba people.

Usman Alkali who also condoled the family of the late Sergeant Ogidi Habu said that the Force will do everything possible to protect every community in Nigeria.