Jigawa Police Apprehend Suspected Kidnappers and Arms Manufacturer
Jigawa State Police Commissioner, Ahmadu Abdullahi
Jigawa Police Apprehend Four Suspected Kidnappers and Firearms Manufacturer
The Jigawa State Police Command has reported the arrest of four individuals suspected of being involved in kidnapping activities and one person believed to be manufacturing firearms. DSP Shiisu Adam, the command’s Public Relations Officer, revealed the information in a statement released to the press on Friday. The arrests resulted from a collaborative effort between the police and local vigilante groups.
On November 16, 2023, the joint operation led to the apprehension of Bashir Muhammed, aged 50, in Yandutsen Kawari village, Ringim Local Government Area. A search of his residence uncovered a pistol and two locally made rifles. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to manufacturing and selling firearms to unidentified individuals. Bashir Muhammed has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.
In a separate incident on November 17, 2023, a distress call reported the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman, Alhaji Shehu Kwaimawa, in Kwaimawa village, Dutse LGA. Responding swiftly, the police found that the kidnappers had fled with the victim. However, on the same day, the abductors released the victim at Baranda Forest in Dutse LGA.
Acting on a tip-off, a joint operation team, consisting of police officers, State Intelligence Bureau operatives, and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, raided the Rigija Fulani settlement in Hara Village, Dutse LGA, on November 18, 2023. The operation resulted in the recovery of 39 cows, four sheep, a broken butt of a rifle, one chain, and a Boxer motorcycle with registration number KMC 790 HJ Kano, believed to belong to the fleeing kidnappers. All recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.
Following subsequent investigations, three individuals—Samaila Adamu, Illiyasu Abdu, and Mamman Abdullahi—were arrested and identified by the kidnapped victim as being involved in his abduction. The ongoing investigation is being conducted at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse, and upon completion, all suspects will be arraigned before the court, according to Adam.
