No fewer than 38 kidnap suspects have been arrested by the Nigerian Police in a renewed crackdown on bandits across the country.
Frank Mba, Force Public relations Officer, in a statement issued in Abuja, said Police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder carried out the arrests between 5th and 19th of June, 2019. The number includes four who were involved in the kidnap of UBEC Chairman, his daughter and the killing of his driver.
The operatives were also said to have recovered 11 AK47 rifles, two pump action guns, three locally made pistols, 12 Dane guns, two revolver pistols, 10 live cartridges, 77 live ammunition, and two Volkswagen vehicles.
The arrest of the four suspects, the police also said, “Is sequel to the massive manhunt launched to apprehend the fleeing members of the kidnap gang involved in the kidnap of UBEC Chairman. It would be recalled that some gang members had fled following the death of their Gang Leader/Kidnap Kingpin, one Sumaila Sule a.k.a Shaho, who died on 18th May 2019 as a result of bullet injuries sustained during a shoot-out with Police Operatives.
“Similarly, the Police Operatives, within the period under review, have following raids of criminal hideouts in Kainji, New Bussa, Mariga Bangi and Charagi in Niger and Kwara State respectively and Birnin Yero forest along Birnin Gwari, Garu Rahama, Gaidan Gaya in Kaduna State, arrested 28 other notorious kidnappers/armed robbers, including one Abubakar Umar a.k.a Buba Dogo. Investigation reveals that Abubakar Umar is a specialist in the kidnap of foreign nationals whom he keeps hostage until substantial ransoms are paid.
“Also, the Operatives have intercepted trucks conveying 1, 972 bags of grains and 208 bags of beans to Bandits’ hideout in a Forest in Zamfara State. This action, no doubt, will cut-off food supply and hopefully neutralize their stronghold in their camps.”
The statement further read: “Meanwhile, the IGP has observed that the achievements recorded so far by the Operatives of Operation Puff Adder would not have been possible but for the immense support and cooperation of the public. He reiterates that the support has come in a manner that clearly demonstrates the increasing determination of citizens to support the Police in restoring internal security.”
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