Army invade kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja, arrest 3 suspects

The Nigerian Army troops during anti-kidnap operations, apprehended three individuals in a raid on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts within the Bwari Area Council in Abuja.

The detained suspects include one informant for the kidnappers and two accomplices.

Bwari Area Council has witnessed an escalation in kidnapping incidents recently.

On Tuesday, May 21, at least 20 residents were abducted in the area council.

On Friday, May 24, the Nigerian Army released a statement on X, noting that 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 additionally said during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo State, troops apprehended a suspected kidnapper.

According to the service, the suspect admitted to being involved in kidnapping activities as well as cattle rustling.

“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.