JUST IN: Soldiers raid kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja, arrest three

Troops of the Nigerian Army on anti-kidnap operations have arrested three suspects during a raid on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in the Bwari Area Council in Abuja.

 

The arrested suspects comprise one kidnappers’ informant and two accomplices.

 

Bwari Area Council has recently become a hotspot for kidnappers, report revealed.

 

On Tuesday, no fewer than 20 residents were kidnapped in the area council.

 

A statement on Friday by the Nigerian Army on X said the soldiers recovered weapons, five ATM cards, and illicit drugs from the suspects.

 

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.