The Kano State Police Command has successfully arrested a 25-year-old suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Musa, from Rijiyar Lemo Quarters, Kano.
The suspect was apprehended for kidnapping a two-year-old child, Al’amin Ahmad Garba, and demanding a ransom of N50 million for the victim’s release.
A statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said the suspect was arrested on December 25, 2024, following a sustained follow-up and intelligence-led operation.
“The victim was rescued from a house in Unguwar Liman, Dorayi Quarters, Kano, where he was hidden for three days.
“The rescued victim was rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital Kano, treated, and discharged and has since been reunited with his family,” the statement said.
According to Haruna, the suspect was charged to Magistrate Court No. 25 Nomansland Kano on January 3, 2025, and is currently remanded.
“The Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, assures the public that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Kano State.
“The Kano State Police Command encourages members of the public to continue supporting the Police by providing useful information that can lead to the arrest of criminals,” the statement added.
In a related development, Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Saturday neutralised two suspects and rescued four kidnapped victims from a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating within the state.
In a release signed by the police spokesperson Henry Okoye, it stated, “The operation, which took place on Friday, began when a distress call was received, reporting the abduction of three women and one man in Umuokanne, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area”.
“Acting swiftly on intelligence gathered, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit located the criminals’ hideout. Upon arrival, a gunfight ensued between the police operatives and the kidnappers. During the operation, two suspects were neutralized. The four victims, Carolyn Didia (42), Ego Odu (48), Apollonia Ezekwe (40), and Godwin Ezekwe (37), were successfully freed”.
“In addition to rescuing the victims, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a magazine from the criminals. However, two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds from the kidnappers’ bullets during the confrontation”.
Okoye said the victims were promptly taken to Oforola Health Centre, where they are now stable and recovering well.
He added, “The Imo State Police Command has assured the public of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding residents. Investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate.
“The police urged the public to report suspicious activities to support further efforts in enhancing community safety.”
Punch/Adebukola Aluko