Soldiers raid kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja, arrest 3
In a decisive move against kidnapping activities, the troops of the Nigerian Army carried out a successful operation resulting in the arrest of three suspects in suspected kidnappers’ hideouts located within the Bwari Area Council in Abuja.
The arrested individuals include one informant known to assist kidnappers, along with two accomplices involved in their criminal activities.
Recent reports from The PUNCH indicate that the Bwari Area Council has seen a surge in kidnapping incidents, making it a concerning hotspot for such criminal acts.
Tragically, on Tuesday alone, more than 20 residents fell victim to these abductions within the area council.
A statement released on Friday by the Nigerian Army revealed that the soldiers not only apprehended the suspects but also seized weapons, five ATM cards, and illicit drugs connected to their illicit operations.
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The statement read, “In the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, troops on Thursday 23 May 2024, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ajegunle Mpape, targeting a notorious informant known for harbouring kidnappers.
” During the operation, the troops apprehended an informant suspect named Ashiru Mohammed with two female accomplices, Raham Abubakar and Sadiya Mohammed.
“The suspects were found in possession of one Beretta pistol, one pistol magazine, and 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The troops also recovered five ATM cards from different banks, two mobile phones, and suspected illicit drugs. The suspects are currently helping in further investigations.”
The army also said troops arrested a suspected kidnapper during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo state.
The service said the suspect confessed to being a kidnapper and a cattle rustler.
“In a related development, troops acting on an alert about a kidnap syndicate operating around Sepeteri in the Shaki general area, of Oyo State conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Igboho-Igbeti Road in Igbeti Local Government Area. The troops intercepted a suspected kidnapper, Usman Mohammed Aliyu, who was found in possession of N400,000.00.
“During further investigation, Aliyu confessed to being involved in cattle rustling and kidnapping. The suspects will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies after investigations,” the statement added.
