Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate in Kaduna, Rescue Victims, Hunt for Fleeing Gang Members

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, arresting six notorious suspects and rescuing victims during a coordinated operation in Kaduna State.

According to the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), the suspects—Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28)—were apprehended on April 3, 2026, following intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks in the region.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group is part of a well-organized kidnapping syndicate operating within Kaduna and surrounding areas, with strong links to criminal camps in the notorious Rijana Forest.

Police authorities disclosed that the suspects were involved in several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. Despite collecting a ransom of ₦24 million and other valuables, the victims were not released until police operatives intervened.

“The operation led to the successful rescue of the officer’s son unharmed, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the officer,” the Force said.

The syndicate is also linked to the abduction of multiple victims, including a young child and members of the same family, where ₦18 million was reportedly paid before their eventual rescue through sustained police operations.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, rescue any remaining victims, and recover weapons used by the syndicate.

“We remain committed to dismantling all criminal networks threatening public safety. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members, rescue remaining victims, and recover the syndicate’s weapons,” he stated.

The police reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.