Soldiers storm kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja, arrest three

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

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

This medium reported that the Bwari Area Council has recently become a hotbed for kidnappers.

On Tuesday, about 20 residents were abducted in the area council.

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

“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.

The army also said troops nabbed a suspected abductor during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo state.

It was said that the suspect confessed to being an abductor 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.”