The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended the key figures behind the abduction and tragic demise of students from Greenfield University, as well as the numerous kidnappings plaguing the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, who Briefed journalists at the Kaduna Police Command Headquarters, said those arrested included Ibrahim Abdullahi, alias Mande, a notorious terrorist leader implicated in orchestrating and participating in the Greenfield University student kidnappings, alongside many other incidents along the Abuja-Kaduna route.
Mr Adejobi disclosed that Mande was nabbed at the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover near Rido Junction in Chikun Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.
He said Mande has admitted to heading a kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, ranking alongside infamous bandits like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
Additionally, law-enforcement agents apprehended another notorious kidnapping gang leader responsible for the September, 2023, attack on Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan Kamantan. The assailant, Yakubu Saidu, had confessed to being involved in the tragic incident, which resulted in the death of a seminarian and extensive damage to property.
Another, Shedrack John, was arrested for allegedly aiding kidnappers by providing medical assistance to injured bandits in the forest.
Other suspects, including Auwal Hassan, Auwal Ahmed, and Auwal Adamu, were also apprehended in connection to criminal activities, Mr Adejobi said.
He reiterated the commitment of the leadership of the police, under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens, and combat criminality nationwide.
Highlighting recent successes along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, he emphasized the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to replicate similar operations in other key areas across the country.
He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support and cooperation, underscoring the importance of collaboration in building safer communities and fostering trust between law-enforcement agencies and citizens.