The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested at least 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, and rescued seven abducted victims, in a sustained crackdown between March and April 2026.
Police Commissioner Rabiu Muhammad told a press briefing on Monday in Kaduna that the operation also yielded 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 stolen cattle. He attributed the results to intelligence-led policing and the dedication of his operatives.
“On April 7, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspected arms trafficker in Kagarko local government area and recovered 20 locally-made guns,” Mr Muhammad said. “Similarly, on April 11, two suspected kidnappers were arrested in Tashan Yari Village, Makarfi, following credible intelligence.”
Several informants supporting bandits were also arrested across the state, including suspects in Kachia, Giwa, and Kauru LGAs accused of supplying drugs and information to criminal elements. On April 1, operatives intercepted 200 rounds of live ammunition hidden in a sack of guinea corn, leading to the arrest of two suspects from Zamfara.
In other operations, a notorious drug dealer and gang member terrorising the Rigasa area was apprehended. Two suspected kidnappers operating in Kubau LGA were arrested with the help of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while two suspected cattle rustlers were held in Kufena with 20 stolen cows.
A surveillance team also arrested several suspects involved in armed robbery, phone snatching, and thuggery in Rigasa. Elsewhere, a suspected kidnapper was arrested in Lere LGA, a motorcycle theft ring was broken up, and a man was held for stealing iron materials from a construction site at Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
Mr Muhammad reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
