By Marie-Therese Nanlong
The Plateau State Police Command has achieved significant progress in its fight against kidnapping, successfully apprehending 10 individuals linked to abduction cases, rescuing hostages, and seizing weapons during a series of well-coordinated operations throughout the state.
During a press conference held at the Command Headquarters in Jos on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina revealed these developments. He emphasized that these arrests demonstrate the Command’s intensified commitment to dismantling criminal networks that have been instilling fear in communities across Plateau and its neighboring states.
He reported that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit detained a 20-year-old suspect named Auwal Mohammed in the Mazah community of Jos North Local Government Area. Confiscated from Mohammed were food items and a mobile phone identified as belonging to one of the victims. Mohammed admitted involvement in a kidnapping ring operating between Plateau and Bauchi States.
On September 16, three more suspects-22-year-old Sunusi Abdullahi, 30-year-old Suleiman Saidu, and 26-year-old Abbas Yusuf-were arrested in Mista-Ali, Bassa Local Government Area. According to the CP, these individuals confessed to being part of a gang responsible for terrorizing residents between Mista-Ali and Tsaya village.
In a notable rescue operation, police freed a kidnapping victim named Ebuka, who had been abducted on September 17. Acting swiftly on intelligence, officers intercepted a Sienna vehicle at the Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, where Ebuka was found inside. Four suspects-Joshua Nathaniel (25), Zairuma Sani (23), Abas Sani (24), and Nanfa Goni (23)-were arrested, and a locally manufactured pistol was recovered during the arrest.
Collaborating closely with the Bauchi State Police Command, authorities also apprehended two suspects, 25-year-old Inusa Yahaya and 19-year-old Abdulrahman Suleiman. They were found with a homemade revolver rifle and confessed to participating in a kidnapping syndicate operating between Toro in Bauchi and Lere in Kaduna State.
Commissioner Adesina assured the public that all arrested individuals will face prosecution. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to restore peace and security throughout Plateau State and encouraged residents to stay alert and provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies.