The Jigawa State Police Command reported the apprehension of four suspected kidnappers and a firearms manufacturer.
According to DSP Shiisu Adam, the command’s Public Relations Officer, a joint operation between the police and local vigilante groups led to these arrests. In a statement released to the press on Friday, Adam detailed the events.
“On November 16, 2023, our forces, in collaboration with local vigilantes, apprehended Bashir Muhammed, aged 50, in Yandutsen Kawari village, Ringim Local Government Area. Upon searching his residence, a pistol and two locally crafted rifles were seized.”
Adam mentioned that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to producing and selling firearms to unidentified buyers. The individual has since been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further probing.
Additionally, Adam mentioned another incident from November 17, 2023, where a distress call alerted authorities about the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman, Alhaji Shehu Kwaimawa, in Kwaimawa village, Dutse LGA.
He noted, “The police immediately moved to the scene and discovered that the kidnappers had fled with the victim.
“However, on November 17, 2023, the victim was released by the abductors at Baranda Forest in Dutse LGA.”
The PPRO added that acting on a tip-off, a joint operation team consisting of police officers, operatives from the State Intelligence Bureau, and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria conducted a raid on the Rigija Fulani settlement in Hara Village, Dutse LGA, on November 18, 2023.
“The operation resulted in the recovery of 39 cows, four sheep, a broken butt of a rifle, one chain, and a Boxer motorcycle with registration number KMC 790 HJ Kano, believed to belong o the fleeing kidnappers,” he said.
He affirmed that all recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.
“Following the subsequent investigation, three individuals, namely Samaila Adamu, Illiyasu Abdu, and Mamman Abdullahi, were arrested and identified by the kidnapped victim as being involved in his abduction.
“Investigation is currently ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse, and upon completion, all will be arraigned before the court,” Adam added.
