Niger State Police Command has successfully dismantled a dangerous kidnapping syndicate responsible for violent attacks across parts of Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, arresting 71 suspects and recovering 10 AK-47 rifles in a month-long intelligence-driven operation. The crackdown, which took place in July, also yielded 15 AK-47 magazines, 330 rounds of live ammunition, and the rescue of several kidnap victims. Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, revealed these achievements during a press briefing in Minna, highlighting the command’s sustained efforts to combat organised crime in the region.
The operation followed months of surveillance on armed gangs operating in communities including Garam, Chachi, Ijah-Gwari, Ijah-Koro, Gauraka, and along the Kaduna Road corridor. A major breakthrough came on July 10 when the suspected gang leader, Samaila Ilya, alias Yakumujuri, was apprehended at Kpakungu Roundabout in Minna. He had previously escaped during a gun battle with police in Bwari, Abuja, but was later captured after a coordinated effort by security operatives.
During interrogation, Ilya confessed to involvement in multiple kidnapping cases in Gauraka, Kubwa, and Bwari. He also admitted that gang members had killed the son of a kidnapped woman even after ransom was paid and the victim released. This confession led police to hidden weapons caches in the Gauraka forest and Bwari, where additional firearms and ammunition were seized. Five other suspected gang members were arrested, and three kidnapped victims were rescued during a tactical raid.
In another significant development, police intercepted Zubairu Mohammed in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area, while he was transporting five AK-47 magazines and 185 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a bag of cement. Authorities are still investigating the intended recipient of the weapons. The command also arrested suspects linked to armed robbery, culpable homicide, and violent clashes across the state.
The police recovered 17 stolen goats, four cows, three motorcycles, two vehicles, and rescued nine children and one abducted baby during the operations. Other seized items included three cartons of tramadol, two bags of cannabis, 16 cutlasses, three plastic pistols, ATM cards, POS machines, mobile phones, face masks, assorted clothing, and ₦352,000 in cash. CP Elleman described the operations as a major setback to criminal networks in Niger State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, assuring them that police would intensify intelligence-led operations and pursue any remaining fugitives. The crackdown underscores the commitment of Niger State Police to restoring peace and security in communities affected by armed violence and kidnapping.
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