The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects linked to a criminal syndicate involved in conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms in Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.
In a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, Anthony Placid, the suspects identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu were apprehended following investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that 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 owned significant wealth and livestock.
Police findings further showed that the gang acquired and used several AK-47 rifles during their operations. Ali Haruna was alleged to have provided one of the rifles belonging to his father, while other weapons were reportedly sourced by members of the syndicate. Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine during the operation.
Investigators also discovered that the victim was abducted on different occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo. The first kidnapping reportedly resulted in a ransom payment of N2 million, while a second operation yielded N4.5 million.
The police added that the syndicate has been connected 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 dispossessed of cash and valuables.
The Force spokesperson said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and other exhibits linked to the criminal activities.
