Police Crack Down on Kidnap and Robbery Syndicates, Recover Rifle, Motorcycles, and Stolen Livestock in Jigawa

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse

The Jigawa State Police Command has detained suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, thieves and cattle rustlers in a series of operations across the state. The arrests yielded a fabricated AK‑47 rifle, three motorcycles and six stolen sheep.

The Command said the moves were part of its ongoing crackdown on criminal activity aimed at protecting lives and property throughout the state.

State police spokesperson SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam reported that detectives from the State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects on May 22. The men—Musa, known as Kala, 45, of Fateka Settlement; Manu Abdullahi, 30, of Mashin Bura Village in Malam Madori Local Government Area; and Yusuf Ibrahim, 35, of Marke Village in Kaugama Local Government Area—are believed to belong to an armed robbery syndicate that has carried out a series of attacks within the Hadejia Emirate.

A search of Ibrahim’s residence uncovered a fabricated AK‑47 rifle. Police said investigations are continuing to locate other members of the group and recover additional weapons.

In a separate operation on May 23, police uncovered an alleged kidnapping plot and arrested Adamu Gari, 55, of Zabo Kafi Village in Kafin Hausa LGA, and Abdullahi Adamu, 40, of Fatiske Village in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects, along with other accomplices, were planning to abduct two individuals from Jama’are town in Bauchi State. The suspects were taken into custody before the plot could be carried out and are cooperating with investigators.

On the same day, operatives attached to the Gwaram Division arrested two suspected thieves linked to the theft of two sheep. The suspects—Mustapha Badamasi, 30, of Innakawa Village, and Khalid Zubairu, 20, of Kofar Kuka—were taken after an intelligence‑led operation. Police recovered the stolen animals and a Bajaj motorcycle allegedly used in the theft.

Later that day, officers from the Taura Division arrested two suspected animal rustlers, Sulaiman Isa, 18, and Ibrahim Muhammad, 30, both of Yanyanga Settlement, and recovered four sheep believed to have been stolen. The suspects were subsequently charged in court, police said.

The Police Command also reported the arrest of three suspected armed robbers after intelligence that a gang had set up an illegal roadblock on the Ringim‑Chaichai Road on May 26 with the intention of attacking motorists. One suspect, Haruna Adamu, was taken at the scene, while two others—Ja’o Muhammad, 55, of Komaye Village, and Ja’o Sabo, both from Ringim Local Government Area—were apprehended during follow‑up operations. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

In another breakthrough, police and local vigilantes recovered a Boxer motorcycle on May 27 that had earlier been stolen during an armed robbery attack. Efforts are continuing to apprehend those responsible.

On May 29, operatives recovered another abandoned Boxer motorcycle in Laraba Village, Dutse Local Government Area, after suspected criminals fled on sighting security personnel. The police believe the motorcycle was intended for criminal activities.

State Commissioner of Police Haruna A. Yahaya praised the officers involved in the operations and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining security across the state. He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in preventing and combating crime.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents,” the statement said.