Troops from the Nigerian Army’s anti-kidnapping operations captured three suspects during a raid on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.
The arrested accused include one kidnapper’s informant and two accomplices.
According to the reports, the Bwari Area Council has suddenly become a popular destination for kidnappers.
On Tuesday, at least 20 residents were kidnapped by the area council.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Friday, the soldiers recovered guns, five ATM cards, and illicit drugs from the suspects.
The statement read, “In the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ajegunle Mpape on Thursday, May 23, 2024, 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 that troops arrested a suspected kidnapper during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo State. According to the service, the guy admitted to being a kidnapper and livestock rustler.
“In a related development, troops acting on an alert about a kidnapping 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.