The Plateau State Police Command has successfully apprehended more than a dozen individuals linked to various criminal offenses. Among those detained is Auwal Mohammed, who was caught attempting to deliver bread and other supplies to kidnappers operating within the Mazah community of Jos North Local Government Area.
During a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Jos on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina revealed that Mohammed, identified as a member of a kidnapping ring active between Plateau and Bauchi states, was intercepted by officers from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit while transporting provisions to his accomplices.
“In our ongoing campaign to eliminate kidnapping in Plateau State, we have arrested a syndicate member in the Mazah area of Jos North Local Government Area,” the CP stated.
“The suspect, Auwal Mohammed, aged 20, hailing from Tilde Fulani Toro Local Government Area in Bauchi State, was taken into custody on August 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30 pm by our Anti-Kidnapping Unit operatives.”
Following a thorough search, officers discovered several items on Mohammed, including a cutlass, multiple loaves of bread, cigarette packs, sachets of powdered Chekers Custard, a flashlight, sachets of Glucose, Top Tea sachets, and a Tecno Camon mobile phone, which he admitted belonged to one of the kidnapping victims.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed his involvement with a kidnapping group operating along the Plateau-Bauchi border. He disclosed that his current task was to procure additional supplies for his gang members as they awaited communication from the victim’s family,” the Commissioner explained.
“Mohammed remains in custody as we intensify efforts to apprehend his collaborators and prepare them for prosecution,” he added.
Furthermore, the CP announced the detention of three other individuals-Sunusi Abdullahi, Suleiman Saidu, and Abbas Yusuf-implicated in kidnapping activities within the Mista-Ali community of Bassa Local Government Area.
In a separate operation, the police successfully rescued a kidnapping victim named Ebuka and arrested four suspects: Joshua Ponzing Nathaniel, Zairuma Sani, Abas Sani, and Nanfa Goni, who were found in possession of a homemade pistol.
Additionally, two suspects, Inusa Yahaya and Abdulrahman Suleiman, were arrested with a locally made revolver rifle, while another individual, Godwin Jacob, was found carrying a fabricated pistol.
The Commissioner reassured the public of the police’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property throughout Plateau State, particularly during the “Ember Months,” a period known for increased criminal activity.
“I have instructed all Divisional Police Officers and leaders of Tactical and Patrol Teams to conduct ‘Ember Month Surveillance’ operations to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors during this critical time,” Adesina affirmed.
He confirmed that all suspects will face legal proceedings upon the conclusion of investigations.
The CP also called on community members to continue providing reliable information to assist law enforcement in curbing crime across the state.