By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects over the alleged abduction of an elderly man in Kaduna State and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to the operation.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were arrested in connection with offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently at large, to abduct Alhaji Rabo Jelani for ransom.
The police said the suspects targeted the victim over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
Further investigations reportedly showed that the syndicate procured and deployed multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations, with Ali Haruna allegedly supplying one of the firearms belonging to his father, while additional weapons were sourced by other members of the gang.
Operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine during the operation.
The police disclosed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo.
According to the statement, the first abduction yielded a ransom payment of N2 million, while a second operation generated N4.5 million.
The Force also linked the syndicate to other violent crimes in the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, where commuters were reportedly dispossessed of cash and valuables.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and other exhibits connected to the crimes.
The Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country through sustained intelligence-led operations.
