Following continuous insecurity in the state, the Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested five persons who served as informant linked to kidnapping syndicate in the state.
It said investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistics support to the kidnappers.

In a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, he said the personnel also rescued three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity.

According to the statement, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.

It said the rescue and arrest followed intelligence, strategic surveillance, and coordinated security efforts that led operatives to the suspected bandits’ hideout.

“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said.

The statement identified the rescued victims as; Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State, adding that the victims were taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation.

He emphasized the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, just as he urged residents to continue providing intelligence to security agencies.

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who were held for more than 40 days and arrested five suspected informants linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a joint security team comprising officers from Fushin Kada Division in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Hunkuyi, following sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated surveillance.

Police said the team tracked the suspects to a suspected bandits’ hideout, where the criminals fled upon sighting advancing security operatives, abandoning the victims.

“The bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” the statement said.

The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State.

They were taken to a police medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

The police also confirmed the arrest of five suspected informants alleged to have supported the kidnappers with information and logistics.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects played roles in facilitating the abduction, while interrogation is ongoing.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a result of professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

Cross River State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime with the arrest of suspected members of a burglary syndicate in Calabar and the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm from a suspect in Ikom Local Government Area.

Police said four suspected members of a burglary and stealing gang believed to be responsible for a series of break-ins across the Calabar metropolis were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Uwanse Division.

The suspects were identified as Effiong Ene, 27; Hope Linus, 18; Patrick Etim, 26; and Maurice Asuquo, 27. According to the Command, the operation was launched on June 4 after credible intelligence and sustained surveillance led officers to the arrest of Effiong Ene, described as a notorious burglary suspect.

Investigators said the suspect subsequently led operatives to the hideouts of other gang members, resulting in the recovery of a large cache of suspected stolen property. 

The exhibits include plasma televisions, laptops, decoders, household appliances, refrigerators, gas cylinders, solar equipment, POS machines, clothing items and several tools allegedly used in burglary operations.

Police sources said the suspects are believed to be linked to a gang popularly referred to by residents as the “White Cap Gang,” which has been associated with house break-ins in parts of Calabar South and adjoining communities. 

Authorities, however, said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the group’s activities and apprehend other fleeing members.

The recovered items, which filled several exhibits racks, are believed to have been stolen from homes and business premises across the metropolis. Police have commenced efforts to identify the rightful owners and reunite them with their property.

In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of the Ikom Division arrested one Asu Ebolom, 36, during a routine patrol and surveillance exercise around Atimaka Trailer Park in Ikom. 

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol concealed in his possession.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody while investigators began efforts to determine the source of the firearm and whether it is linked to any criminal activities within or outside the area.

Commending officers involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, praised their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty. 

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said investigations have been intensified to trace additional suspects and dismantle any criminal networks connected to the cases. 

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in combating crime.