The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested four suspects over an armed robbery incident that took place in the state in 2024.

The police said the case followed a complaint about a violent attack on May 18, 2024, at about 1:30 am, when armed men invaded the residence of Yunusa Haruna Aliyu at Hotoro Yandodo Quarters in Kano.

The attackers, armed with guns and cutlasses, allegedly stole a 2015 Honda Accord, mobile phones, jewellery, wristwatches, and other valuables worth millions of naira.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for Zone One, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, detectives acted on the directive of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One Headquarters, Kano, AIG Garba Ahmed.

He said, “Upon receiving the case, the Assistant Inspector-General directed detectives of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.”

The investigation led to the arrest of three principal suspects identified as Yakubu Adamu, also known as Danfulani, 28; Abubakar Hassan, also called Baba, 21; and Barhama Ayatullah, also known as Mai Zangi, 25. All are residents of different parts of Kano.

A fourth suspect, Abdulgaffar Sidi, 25, was also arrested for allegedly receiving mobile phones stolen during the robbery.

The police further revealed that the stolen vehicle was taken out of Nigeria and sold in Maradi, Niger Republic.

The statement added, “Efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen vehicle and arrest other members of the syndicate who are currently at large.”

The Assistant Inspector-General assured that the command remains committed to ensuring that all criminal cases are properly investigated and offenders brought to justice, regardless of how long ago the crime was committed.

The suspects will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued five travellers abducted by suspected bandits along the Anka-Bukkuyum Road in a swift security operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the victims were kidnapped on June 10 after armed bandits blocked the highway and intercepted commuters.

According to him, personnel of the Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit responded promptly to a distress call and launched a rescue mission, pursuing the attackers into nearby forests.

Abubakar said the operatives engaged the fleeing bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and escape with suspected gunshot injuries.

He disclosed that all five abductees were rescued unharmed, while two motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminals were recovered during the operation.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to combating insecurity across the state and urged residents to continue providing useful information to support ongoing efforts against criminal elements.

The Ogun State Police Command has thwarted an alleged plot to abduct a Chinese expatriate and arrested two suspects linked to a planned N50 million ransom operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, noting that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following actionable intelligence received by the police.

According to Babaseyi, intelligence reports indicated a planned kidnapping operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway axis, prompting officers of the Obalende Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to swiftly deploy to the area.

He said the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested the suspects before the alleged plan could be executed.

Babaseyi explained that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects had allegedly conspired to kidnap a Chinese national and demand a ransom of N50 million for his release.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects conspired to abduct a Chinese national and planned to demand a ransom of N50 million. One of the suspects exploited his position as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company to facilitate the plot,” he said.

The police spokesman further disclosed that investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect who remains at large.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and determine the full scope of the criminal operation.

According to him, the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and swift action.

Ojajuni noted that the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major kidnapping incident.

He also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and cooperation from members of the public in strengthening security and preventing crime.

The police commissioner reassured residents and members of the business community of the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive security measures.

He urged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to law enforcement agencies.