The Jigawa State Police Command says it arrested four suspected kidnappers and a firearms manufacturer.
DSP Shiisu Adam, the command’s Public Relations Officer, revealed this in a statement made accessible to journalists on Friday.
He stated that the arrests were made as a result of a cooperative operation between the police and local vigilante groups.
“On November 16, 2023, the police, working with a local vigilante group, apprehended Bashir Muhammed, 50, in Yandutsen Kawari village, Ringim Local Government Area,” he stated.
“Upon searching his residence, a pistol and two locally made rifles were recovered.”
According to Adam, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to manufacturing and selling firearms to unidentified individuals.
He noted that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.
He added that in another incident, on November 17, 2023, a distress call was received regarding 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.