The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two suspects linked to a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful possession of firearms in Kaduna State and surrounding communities.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were apprehended following investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani.
According to police findings, Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently on the run, to kidnap the elderly man for ransom over claims that he possessed significant wealth and livestock.
Investigators disclosed that the gang acquired and used multiple AK-47 rifles for their criminal operations. Ali Haruna was alleged to have supplied one of the rifles belonging to his father, while other weapons were reportedly sourced by additional members of the syndicate.
Police operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine during the operation.
Further investigations revealed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and held in forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo. The first kidnapping reportedly yielded a ransom payment of N2 million, while a second operation generated N4.5 million.
The syndicate has also been linked to other violent crimes in the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, where commuters were reportedly robbed of cash and valuables.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes.
The Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country through sustained intelligence-led operations targeting violent criminal groups.
