Police arrest 31 suspected kidnappers, robbers near Niger, kill 5

- Men of the Nigerian police force have dismantled robbery and kidnapping gangs 

near Niger 

- 31 of the suspects were paraded while 5 were killed in a gun battle with the police

- The police also lost Sergeant Shettima Abdullahi when they were ambushed by the 

criminals

At a press briefing given by CSP Jimoh Moshood, the public relations officer of the Nigerian 

Police Force (NPF), it was announced that 31 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers 

were paraded. The criminals were accused of terrorizing the Abuja-Minna and Abuja-

Kaduna highways. They were paraded at Dikko, near Suleja, Niger state. The names of the 

suspects were announced on the NPF Facebook page, and it was also announced that 5 of 

the suspected kidnappers were killed in a gunfight with the police.

                       Materials recovered from the arrested criminals Source: Facebook, Nigeria Police Force 



Sadly, the police lost Sergeant Shettima Abdullahi after they were ambushed by the 

criminals. Arms and ammunitions were recovered from the criminals as well as military 

boots, fatigues, caps and materials belonging to their victims. 

         Some of the suspected criminals were wearing army camouflage Source: Facebook, Nigeria Police Force 

In his statement, CSP Moshood said: "Consequent on the reinforcement of Operation 

Absolute Sanity on Abuja- Minna Highway with more personnel of Special Tactical Squad 

and additional two (2) units of Special Police Forces by the Inspector-General of Police, 

IGP 

Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni to tackle the gangs of Kidnappers that escaped arrest on Abuja – 

Kaduna Highway and relocated to some roads in Niger State.

             Police arrest 31 suspected kidnappers, robbers near Niger Source: Facebook, Nigeria Police Force

"In the operation that is still ongoing, four (4) different vicious and notorious Kidnap for 

ransom gangs including those dealing in illegal possession of prohibited fire arms were 

dislodged and busted. "Also arrested is a gang that is responsible for the killings of some 

security personnel on Kaduna – Abuja road and Abuja – Lokoja road recently. "They 

equally 

confessed to have assaulted some of their victims. A total number of thirty one (31) 

suspected kidnappers / Armed Robbers were arrested in the operation. They confessed to 

the offence and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the 

crime. "The arms and ammunition, kidnappers operational vehicles listed above and other 

properties belonging to some of their victims, who were rescued from the gangs, were 

recovered from them. "Most of the suspects were identified by the victims and for being 

responsible for their kidnap. Investigation is being intensified to arrest the other suspects at 

large. All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of Investigation." 

                       The criminals were also caught with cars Source: Facebook, Nigeria Police ForceHe also said the Inspector General of Police (IDP) thanked the "communities, towns and 

villages along Abuja – Kaduna and Abuja - Minna highways for the supports and assistance 

being rendered in terms of prompt information and complaints to the Police Personnel 

deployed in their localities that have led to so many successes for the Nigeria Police 

Force." 

"The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to reduce crimes and criminality in 

the country is yielding positive results and remains unwavering," he concluded.