Police Arrest Son, Accomplice Over Father’s Kidnap, Recover AK-47 Rifle
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects linked to a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating in Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, the suspects, Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were apprehended following investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani. Police investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently at large, to kidnap the elderly man for ransom over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
The police said the syndicate procured and used multiple AK-47 rifles during its operations. Investigators disclosed that Ali Haruna allegedly supplied one of the firearms belonging to his father, while other weapons were sourced by members of the gang. One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation.
Findings further showed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were coordinated by Yusuf Rabo. The first abduction reportedly yielded a ransom payment of ₦2 million, while a subsequent operation generated ₦4.5 million.
Police also linked the syndicate 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, during which commuters were 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.
