The masterminds behind the kidnapping and murder of Greenfield University students as well as the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway have been apprehended by Kaduna State Police Command operations.
One of the detained suspects is Ibrahim Abdullahi, a prominent terrorist commander also known by his nickname Mande. He was responsible for most of the kidnappings that occurred along the Abuja-Kaduna route as well as the planning and execution of the Greenfield University student abductions.
Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, who led the suspects into the Kaduna Police Command Headquarters on Thursday, explained that Mande was detained at the Abuja-Kaduna Road overpass at the Rido Junction in the Chikun Local Government Area on the basis of reliable information.
He explained that the suspect has confessed to being a leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorising the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway and ranked among notorious bandits like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
Read Also: Abductions: You Are Not Above The Law FG Roars, Invites Controversial Islamic Cleric, Gumi For Interrogation
The Force PRO further disclosed that police operatives also arrested another notorious kidnap gang leader who masterminded the September 2023 attack on the Saint Raphael Catholic Church at Fadan Kamantan where a seminarian and the church were burnt to ashes.
“Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the authorities. Despite the valiant efforts of operatives, one seminarian Stephen Naaman tragically lost his life in the inferno, and property worth millions of Naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire.
“However, due to diligence and tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on the 22nd of March, 2024 one Yakubu Saidu, the mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime”.
Police operatives also arrested a suspect Shedrack John for allegedly aiding kidnappers by providing medical services to injured bandits in the forest as well as those other suspects Auwal Hassan, and Auwal Ahmed Auwal Adamu.
Read Also: Bauchi Monarch Killed 24 Hours After Abduction
The Force spokesman assured that the police leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun remained steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and combat criminal activities across the country.
“These recent achievements along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway underscore the zeal of the Force in fulfilling our mandate of protecting lives and property. This special intervention and operation would be replicated in other major expressways and cities across the country through the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) by the IGP.
“We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ innovative strategies, and harness the full force of the law to root out criminal elements and create a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.
“As we forge ahead, the Nigeria Police Force extends its gratitude to members of the public for their continued support and cooperation. Together, we will build safer communities, foster trust between the police and citizens, and strive towards a Nigeria where all individuals can live without fear of crime or violence.”
