The Gombe State Police Command has taken seven individuals into custody over their suspected involvement in kidnapping and cattle rustling across the state.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who detailed the breakthrough made by security operatives.
Abdullahi explained that on November 23, officers detained a 40-year-old suspect, described as a key member of an interstate kidnapping network. Intelligence reports had indicated that the suspect was providing shelter to criminals engaged in abductions and livestock theft.
Further findings revealed that the group maintained links with accomplices operating in Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe and Adamawa states.
“Acting on intelligence, police operatives attached to Operation Hattara in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association, stormed identified criminal hideouts.
“Engaging the suspects in a gun duel and successfully arresting six additional members of the gang,” he said.
During the operation, two gang members were neutralised, and officers recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun and eight rounds of live ammunition. The remains of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the mortuary of the Specialist Hospital Gombe.
Preliminary investigations also uncovered that the suspects were involved in multiple kidnapping incidents and had collected approximately N160 million in ransom payments. Abdullahi added that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations conclude.
Reiterating the command’s dedication to safety, Abdullahi urged residents to support security efforts and remain vigilant.
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