The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate, including the son of an elderly victim, over the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani in Kaduna State, recovering an AK-47 rifle during the operation.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were apprehended following investigations into the repeated abduction of the elderly victim by a violent criminal syndicate operating within Kaduna State and adjoining communities.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed that investigations uncovered a shocking conspiracy involving members of the victim’s family and armed accomplices who allegedly targeted the elderly man for ransom over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
“Investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo conspired with Musa Adamu and one Ali Haruna, who is currently at large, to abduct Alhaji Rabo Jelani for ransom,” Placid said.
“The suspects allegedly believed that the victim had significant financial resources and livestock, which informed their decision to target him repeatedly.”
According to the police spokesman, Ali Haruna, identified as the victim’s grandson, allegedly played a major role in facilitating the operations of the gang.
Further investigations revealed that the syndicate procured and deployed several AK-47 rifles for their criminal activities.
“One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation,” Placid stated.
“Investigations further established that Ali Haruna allegedly supplied one of the firearms belonging to his father, while additional weapons used by the gang were sourced by other members of the syndicate.”
The police said findings showed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself.
“The first kidnapping operation reportedly yielded a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000), while a subsequent abduction generated Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦4,500,000),” Placid disclosed.
The Force spokesman added that investigations linked the gang to several other violent crimes within the area, including kidnapping and armed robbery operations targeting residents and commuters.
“The syndicate has also been connected to the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke, as well as an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, during which commuters were dispossessed of cash and other valuables,” he said.
Placid noted that police operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the criminal network.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover more firearms and other exhibits linked to the syndicate’s activities,” he stated.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent crimes across the country, Placid said intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and armed robbery gangs would continue unabated.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country,” he said.
“We assure members of the public that sustained intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to identify, track and neutralise violent criminal groups threatening the safety and security of citizens.”
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts.
