Police rescue kidnapped octogenarian, kill six suspects

The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, said that coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, the rescue of an 80-year-old kidnap victim, and the recovery of a cache of arms.

In a statement released on Monday via X, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operations were carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the Jigawa State Police Command, respectively.

In the FCT, police operatives dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate operating across the capital.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team intercepted the gang as they prepared to launch an attack in Maitama. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, leading to the death of one of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle.

One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized during the encounter, while seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 years and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene include Four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle,” the statement added.

In a separate operation, police in Jigawa State rescued an octogenarian woman, Hajiya Hajara, who had been abducted from Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. Intelligence revealed that a group of about twelve armed bandits had kidnapped the elderly woman and were attempting to move her through Jigawa State.

Police, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed the criminals’ hideout between Danzomo and Medi villages. A gunfight ensued, leading to the death of five kidnappers and the arrest of five others, including the gang’s alleged leader, Yahaya, 35.

“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire.

“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the Hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged. Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones,” the statement said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities.