The Police Command in Jigawa State has reported the apprehension of four individuals believed to be involved in kidnapping, along with a person involved in the manufacturing of firearms.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Shiisu Adam, revealed this information in a statement released to the press on Friday.
He clarified that the apprehensions resulted from a collaborative operation involving both the police and local vigilante groups.
He said, ”On November 16, 2023, the police, in collaboration with the local vigilante group, apprehended Bashir Muhammed, aged 50, in Yandutsen Kawari village, Ringim Local Government Area.”
“Upon searching his residence, a pistol and two locally made rifles were recovered.”
Adam stated that, upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to producing and selling firearms to unidentified individuals.
The suspect has been subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.
In a separate incident on November 17, 2023, a distress call was received concerning the abduction 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 further mentioned that, acting on information received, a collaborative team comprising police officers, State Intelligence Bureau operatives, and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria carried out 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.