Kaduna Police arrest 26 suspected kidnappers, recover firearms and ransom funds

‎The Kaduna State Police Command has detained 26 suspected kidnappers and seized fabricated firearms and ransom money during coordinated operations in Anchau, Ikara, and Makarfi between October 3 and 5, 2025.
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‎Acting on credible intelligence, joint patrol teams of police and local vigilance groups launched a series of raids targeting notorious kidnap gangs terrorizing the region. The first major breakthrough occurred in Anchau on October 5 when six suspects, including the alleged gang leader Jibrin Abubakar, alias Oga, were arrested at a hideout.
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Investigation revealed the group had kidnapped an 60-year-old man, Idris Adamu, earlier in September, holding him captive until a ransom of N5 million was paid.
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‎The operations led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pump-action rifles, five empty cartridges, amulets, and N546,000 believed to be part of the ransom.
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‎Two suspects, Yunusa Iliya and Malam Iliya of Gidan Sidi Village, were also caught after a brief gun duel with officers, although two others escaped and remain at large.
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‎Earlier this month in Ikara, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Habibu Alhaji Ahmadu, alias Munyaye, found with two locally made revolver rifles. Ahmadu reportedly masterminded a recent armed attack on a businessman’s residence and is part of a gang still being pursued. 
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‎Authorities also recovered several dangerous weapons from the scene and nabbed three more suspects later at the Toll Gate area.
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‎All 26 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to unravel the wider criminal networks and recover additional weapons. The Kaduna Police Command says intensified intelligence-led operations and community collaboration will persist to ensure lasting security in the state.
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