BTvNEWS

Eight Suspected Kidnappers, Four Alleged Informants Arrested as Government Deploys Three Additional Armoured Personnel Carriers to Boost Security

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects, comprising eight suspected kidnappers and four alleged informants, and recovered two AK-47 rifles and three magazines during intensified security operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

The arrests followed sustained clearance operations, targeted raids and intensified patrols conducted by the police in collaboration with other security agencies to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the affected communities.

The police identified the eight suspected kidnappers as Dauda Murna, Usman Abdullahi, Abubakar Sulaiman, Saleh Abdullahi, Usman Muhammed, Mathias Moses, Makama John and Tafarki Audu.

The four other suspects, allegedly involved in providing information to criminal elements, were identified as Shuaibu Sabiu, Audu Makama, Simon Moses and Amadu Mathew.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kaduna State Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, preliminary investigations indicate that two of the suspects allegedly confessed to leaking intelligence about police operations to criminal elements, potentially undermining security efforts and endangering the lives of security personnel and residents.

The police disclosed that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement, identify other accomplices and ensure that everyone found culpable is brought to justice.

In a move to strengthen security operations in the affected communities, the Kaduna State Government has released three additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Police Command to enhance its operational capacity and improve the protection of lives and property.

The Command assured residents that clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts would continue, with the objective of dismantling criminal networks, disrupting their activities and facilitating the rescue of kidnapped victims.

The deployment is expected to support ongoing efforts to intensify security operations across Millennium City, Maraban Rido and neighbouring communities facing security challenges.

As part of broader efforts to address the security situation, a high-powered government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Sani Kila, alongside other security chiefs, held an engagement meeting with traditional rulers, community members and other stakeholders in the affected areas on October 10, 2026.

During the meeting, Kila reiterated that security was a collective responsibility and urged residents, community leaders, landlords and youth groups to remain vigilant and promptly report individuals suspected of aiding or abetting criminal activities.

He also called on community stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with security agencies to promote peace, protect lives and property, and strengthen the collective response to insecurity.

Acknowledging the geographical challenges posed by the forested areas surrounding Millennium City, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Muhammad Rabiu, psc, mni, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical personnel, operational vehicles and other security resources to the affected communities.

The deployment is aimed at strengthening surveillance, improving emergency response times and preventing further criminal activities.

In a statement issued on October 12, the Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property throughout Kaduna State, while urging residents to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security to the affected communities.