Troops arrest notorious kidnappers in FCT, Oyo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly apprehended some kidnap kingpins and informants in the Federal Capital Territory and Oyo State in recent anti-kidnapping operations.

The Nigerian Army made this known in a post on its official X Handle today.

It said the operations were based on a credible tip-off given to troops on Thursday in the Bwari Area Council of the territory.

The Army said the troops stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ajegunle Mpape, targeting a notorious informant known for harbouring kidnappers.

According to the social media post, troops arrested an informant suspect identified as Ashiru Mohammed with two female accomplices, Raham Abubakar and Sadiya Mohammed, during the operation.

It added that one Beretta pistol, one pistol magazine, and 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

It also showed that five ATM cards from different banks, two mobile phones, and suspected illicit drugs were recovered from suspects who are currently helping in further investigations.

In Oyo State, the army said that it stormed a kidnap syndicate operating around Sepeteri in the Shaki general area of the state.

It said that troops intercepted Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a suspected kidnapper, during a stop-and-search operation along the Igboho-Igbeti Road in Igbeti Local Government Area.

According to the post, the arrested suspect was found in possession of a cash sum of N400,000.

It added, “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.

“These coordinated operations are indicative of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining security and combating criminal activities in synergy with other security agencies across the country.

“The arrests and seizures are expected to significantly disrupt the operations of kidnap syndicates and other criminal networks in the affected areas.” (NAN)