Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and recovered a cache of arms in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Jigawa State.
According to a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi this Monday, the operatives also rescued an 80 year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara.
Adejobi said operatives of the FCT Police Command acting on credible intelligence, dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate known for a string of high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the nation’s capital as they prepared to strike an unsuspecting victim around Maitama area.
He said upon sighting the operatives, the criminals opened fire, leading to a gun duel in which one of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello also known as Babanle, was neutralized.
The police spokesman added that seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including a 22 year-old ex-convict, Ibrahim Muhammad, Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.
The statement also revealed that, exhibits recovered from the scene include four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red Boxer motorcycle.
It said in a similar development, the Jigawa State Police Command rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralized five members of a kidnapping gang in a daring rescue operation.
This was followed by intelligence at the Command’s disposal which revealed that a group of twelve armed bandits had abducted the elderly woman from her residence in Sarbi Village, Minjibir LGA of Kano State and had attempted to escape through Jigawa State.
But in a swift and coordinated response, combined teams of police operatives attached to the Jigawa State Command mobilized alongside other local security outfits stormed the suspected criminal hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages.
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Consequently, fierce gun battle ensued resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralized during the exchange of fire.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to hospital for medical evaluation and later discharged.
Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones.
While commending the operatives for their strides and appreciating the cooperation of the public, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun urged continued public vigilance, especially in reporting suspicious movements and gatherings in communities.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
