Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims. 

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

According to the CP, the bandits were arrested based on credible intelligence received that they were planning to establish a camp around Maje-Suleja/Kuchinbuyi area of Abuja. 

“The Crack Squad of the Command with the aid of Technical Intelligence arrested one Adamu Abdullahi 25yrs ‘m’ of Kuchinbuyi area on 21/11/2023,” the CP stated. 

“During interrogation, he confessed to the crime of kidnapping within Lambata, Abaji, Kuje, Dobi-Zuba and its environs. He mentioned his group members as Babuga, Suleiman Damishi Lawal, Mustapha Sahabi and one Wizkid with the use of about eighteen AK-49 rifles to establish the camp.

“As a result of the above confession, Suleiman Damishi ‘m’ an adult and Ibrahim Maisaje (a.k.a Jayi) 40yrs were arrested at Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa State on 15/12/2023. The suspects confessed to a series of kidnappings in Suleja-Kwamba, Maje, Bwari FCT, and Ijahkoro Sabon-Wuse.” 

The PPRO further disclosed that the nine rescued victims were abducted within Kainji Lake National Park earlier this month. 

“On 2/12/2023 at about 2100hrs, a Toyota Corolla commercial vehicle was attacked suspected armed men within Kainji Lake National Park while on the way from Kabe to New-Bussa and eight victims were abducted from the vehicle. However, two victims among the abducted persons escaped from the abductors,” the CP said. 

“Consequently, on 8/12/2023 combined team of the Police and vigilante mobilized and trailed the kidnappers to a hideout in the Park for rescue operation, while a gun battle ensued between the teams and the hoodlums.

“Fortunately, due to the superior firepower of the Police, the kidnappers took to their heels and nine kidnapped victims including those abducted on 2/12/2023 from Kabe were rescued unhurt, they were taken to a nearhospital for medical examination and later reunited with their families.

“Finally, I appreciate the effort of all stakeholders, Nigerlites and residents for supporting the Police towards achieving the above highlighted achievements, while I also urge members of the public not to relent in giving useful information to the Police and other security agencies towards ensuring a secure environment and society at large.”