Nigerian Police Arrest 31 Kidnappers, Robbers, Recover Four AK-47 Riffles, Others

The Special Police Forces set up by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris

have arrested 31 suspected kidnapper and armed robbers and recovered four AK-47 riffles and other arms and ammunition from the gangs in Niger State and some areas.

The suspects were paraded in Abuja on Tuesday.

CSP Jimoh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja said
consequent on the reinforcement of Operation Absolute Sanity on Abuja- Minna Highway with more personnel of Special Tactical Squad and additional two units of Special Police Forces by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP to tackle the gangs of kidnappers that escaped arrest on Abuja – Kaduna Highway and relocated to some roads in Niger State, several suspects were arrested.

“The suspects were arrested in their hideouts and camps where some of their victims were rescued and the listed firearms, ammunition, Army camouflage uniforms and operational vehicles of the kidnappers were recovered from them.

“In the operation that is still ongoing, four different vicious and notorious kidnap for ransom gangs, including those dealing in illegal possession of prohibited fire arms were dislodged and busted. Also arrested is a gang that is responsible for the killings of some security personnel on Kaduna – Abuja road and Abuja – Lokoja road recently.

“They equally confessed to have raped some of their victims. A total number of thirty one (31) suspected kidnappers / Armed Robbers were arrested in the operation. They confessed to the offence and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime. The arms and ammunition, kidnappers operational vehicles listed above and other properties belonging to some of their victims, who were rescued from the gangs, were recovered from them. Most of the suspects were identified by the victims and for being responsible for their kidnap. Investigation is being intensified to arrest the other suspects at large. All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation,” he said.

Moshood said while the operation was being sustained, the Inspector-General of Police had directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the zones and commands to introduce new strategies in curbing kidnappings and other violent crimes on the highways and major roads in other states of the country.

“They are also to beef up security in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR) and ensure massive deployment of armed Police personnel, patrol teams and undercover operatives to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots to nip in the bud all forms of crimes and criminality nationwide and make sure that detection of crimes are prompt to serve as effective deterrent to who-will-be criminals. The ongoing raids on criminal hideouts will be sustained throughout the country.

“The Inspector General of Police wishes to extend appreciations and gratitude to the communities, towns and villages along Abuja – Kaduna and Abuja – Minna highways for the supports and assistance being rendered in terms of prompt information and complaints to the Police personnel deployed in their localities that have led to so many successes for the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

Arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects are: four Ak-47 Rifles, two English Barretal Pistols, two locally made pistols, five set of Army camouflage uniforms, five military caps, three military boots, one (1) International Pasport belonging to a kidnapped victim, eight operational vehicles; two Sharoon vehicles Ash and Green colour, two Golf Volkwagen vehicles black And red colours, one Honda Civic, one Toyota Camry, one Mercedez Salon Car, one Toyota Corolla, ninety-five  7.62 X 39Mm Ammunition; fifteen 9Mm Ammunition, among others.