The Kaduna State Police Command has neutralised four suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims in Ikara and Makarfi Local Government Areas of the state.
The operatives also arrested 12 suspects during separate clearance operations targeting criminal elements.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two locally made guns, three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and a military camouflage T-shirt.
The State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, explained that the Ikara operation was carried out at about 5 am on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the Police.
According to him, “The Divisional Police Officer in Ikara led a team of operatives, alongside KADVS personnel, to the residence of one Haruna Yakubu in Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village.
“The operatives reportedly encountered armed resistance upon arrival, leading to an exchange of gunfire.”
The spokesman stated that during the confrontation, two kidnapped victims were rescued, while four suspected kidnappers were neutralised. He identified three of the suspects as Kabiru Haruna, Suleman Abdulkarim and Yusuf Haruna, also known as Burgagau, all from Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village, while the fourth suspect was not immediately identified.
He said the operation also led to the arrest of 12 suspects believed to have links with criminal activities in the area.
The arrested suspects are Yahaya Hassan, 60; Usman Hassan, 40; Abdul Muminu Hassan, 35; Jafaru Adamu, 25; Buhari Usman, 25; Usman Bashir, 25; Samaila Yahaya, 25; Awwalu Adamu, 20; Maimuna Haruna, 57; Suhaila Kabiru, 30; Maimuna Yusuf, 30, all of Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village; and Hassana Usman, 50, of Yakamalam, Ikara Town.
He explained that the suspects were assisting investigators in determining their individual roles and uncovering the wider network allegedly responsible for criminal activities in the area.
Hassan stated that in a separate operation conducted on Tuesday, September 15, at about 6 am, Police operatives attached to the Makarfi Division, working with KADVS personnel, carried out a clearance operation around the Arabu Forest Reserve in Makarfi Local Government Area.
He said the operation covered the area stretching from Durum through Nasarawan Doya to the Arabu River Bank, which borders Soba Local Government Area.
He further explained that the area was thoroughly searched for suspected criminal elements, resulting in the recovery of two locally made guns, three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and a military camouflage T-shirt abandoned in the forest.
The Command said the joint patrol and clearance operation would continue to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or establishing new hideouts within the area.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, hailed the police personnel, KADVS and vigilante members who participated in the operations, as well as members of the public whose timely provision of information contributed to their success.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks, rescuing victims and strengthening security across Kaduna State.