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Tag: Kidnapper

  • Police condemn killing of woman mislabelled kidnapper

    Police condemn killing of woman mislabelled kidnapper

    The Police command in Kwara has condemned the jungle justice inflicted on a female destitute wrongly suspected of being a kidnapper at Ipata market, Ilorin.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Thursday.

    The incident occurred at the popular Ipata market on Thursday around 9:00 a.m.

    According to the Ejire-Adeyemi, a destitute woman was seen wandering and was wrongly suspected of being a kidnapper by misinformed members of the public.

    In response, an angry mob attacked her, inflicting severe injuries.

    Police patrol teams swiftly mobilised, rescued the victim, and rushed her to the General Hospital, Ilorin, for emergency treatment.

    Sadly, the attending doctor confirmed her death from the injuries sustained.

    Her remains have been deposited in the hospital mortuary, while discreet investigations are ongoing.

    The command strongly condemned the act of jungle justice, stressing that it undermines the rule of law and endangers innocent lives.

    Ejire-Adeyemi noted that mob action does not resolve security challenges but worsens insecurity and erodes public safety.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.

    He appealed to residents of Kwara to work with the Police in promoting law, order, and justice, while firmly rejecting mob violence.

  • Just in: ‘Notorious kidnapper’ nabbed while preparing for Hajj pilgrimage in Abuja Airport

    Just in: ‘Notorious kidnapper’ nabbed while preparing for Hajj pilgrimage in Abuja Airport

    The Department of State Services (DSS), operatives have nabbed a wanted kidnapper at the hajj camp in Abuja during pilgrim screenings ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia, a security source confirmed this.

    The security source revealed that the suspected kidnapper, identified as Yahaya Zango, was arrested on Sunday.

    Zango, who resides in the Paikon-Kore area of the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had reportedly been declared wanted by security agencies over his alleged involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents.

    According to the source, Zango was apprehended after he presented his passport as part of a group of Muslim pilgrims from Abuja preparing to embark on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

    “It was this afternoon during the screening at the hajj camp in the airport when the DSS operatives apprehended him and whisked him away,” the source was quoted as saying.

    A senior official from the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who preferred to remain anonymous, also confirmed the suspect’s arrest.

    It was gathered that the suspect had been on the run following a security-led manhunt.

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the development.

    Nigeria has been grappling with multiple security threats that vary across its regions. In the Northeast, Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have waged a violent insurgency since 2009. This conflict has caused massive loss of lives, displacement of millions, and destruction of infrastructure.

    In the Northwest and parts of the North-Central region, armed bandits engage in cattle rustling, armed robbery, and large-scale kidnappings for ransom. They operate in forested and rugged terrain, which makes it difficult for security forces to track and apprehend them.

    Kidnapping has become a nationwide problem, affecting not only the North but also the South and Middle Belt. It is used as a lucrative criminal enterprise, targeting students, government officials, businessmen, and ordinary citizens.

  • Bishop Kukah’s brother narrates ordeal in kidnapper’s den

    Bishop Kukah’s brother narrates ordeal in kidnapper’s den

    Mr Ishaya Kukah, brother to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, on Tuesday recounted his harrowing experience in the hands of bandits who had held him and others captive.

    Kukah spoke with newsmen on Tuesday when the National Security Adviser (NSA),

    Mr Ishaya Kukah, brother to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, on Tuesday recounted his harrowing experience in the hands of bandits who had held him and others captive.

    Kukah spoke with newsmen on Tuesday when the National Security Adviser (NSA),

    Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, handed over 60 rescued victims to their families in Abuja.

    He said he had given up hope of surviving before his rescue with others by the troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna.

    “Frankly speaking, I had already given up. I didn’t think I would come out alive because of how they were treating us in the bush.

    “We suffered too much. They used to chain us in twos. If you wanted to defecate or urinate, you had to move together,” he said.

    Kukah said that the victims were pressured into agreeing to ransom demands due to the torture they endured.

    According to him, if they noticed you are reluctant, they will beat or even kill you.

    “If not for the Federal Government, we would still be in the bush. Thank you for what you have done. God bless you,” he said.

    Another rescued victim, Adesanya Michael, a Deputy Director at the National Assembly Commission, who was abducted from his residence in Kubwa, Abuja, advocated for a non-combative approach to tackling banditry.

    He said the bandits, mostly aged between 17 and 21, were stark illiterates and victims of circumstance.

    “I was chained for 32 days. Most of them can’t even count up to a million. They don’t know what they’re doing.

    “Instead of killing them, the government should arrest, educate, and rehabilitate them. Some of them want to learn trades. They can still be useful,” he said.

    Michael, who was kidnapped on Jan. 26 and released on April 7, recounted how his wife was killed in his presence.

    “When they kill someone in front of you, you will give them anything they want. They killed my wife before me. In that moment, if they asked for my head, I would have given it,” he said.

  • How I survived in kidnappers’ den – Former NYSC DG, Tsiga

    How I survived in kidnappers’ den – Former NYSC DG, Tsiga

    The former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga Rtd. said he was able to come out alive from kidnappers’ den by the help and mercies of God.

    Tsiga said this on Thursday, when he and 18 other victims were reunited with their families by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.

    Tsiga regained his freedom after spending 56 days in captivity having been abducted from his hometown Tsiga, in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on Feb. 5, alongside nine other residents.

    He said that his safe return was the kind of situation that was most important to be celebrated.

    He said that apart from the danger being faced from their abductors, they were also faced with danger of being hurt by wild animals on the mountain that they were kept.

    “The day before yesterday, on the mountain I was staying, unexpectedly, we just look around, we saw hyena parading around us to get its own food. And which kind of food? We, the human beings.

    “Those of us that experienced that place, we always stay with snakes, scorpions.

    “And one bad experience, particularly for those of us who, they knew our rank, whenever they are being attacked, sincerely speaking, they bring us out, so that the aircraft can hit us.

    “But you know God is merciful.

    “When a rocket was sent to us, it did not explode. They carried that rocket and kept it where I am sleeping so that immediately I come and touch it, it will explode.

    “And that is why I told us, God is merciful,” he said.

    The former NYSC DG also revealed that the nature of food they were being fed with was another threat to his health.

    According to him, the terrorists said that those of them that were in uniform, government is always putting money for them to keep.

    The retired army general also revealed that the terrorists only feared military aircraft, adding that they did not even fear God but military aircraft.

    Tsiga called on all Nigerians to join hands to fight and defeat insecurity in the country, saying that security should be seen as a collective responsibility.

    “We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must do it ourselves.

    “So we thank Almighty God for giving us this opportunity to live again,” he said.

  • 27-yr-old kidnapper bags 60 years imprisonment in Ibadan

    27-yr-old kidnapper bags 60 years imprisonment in Ibadan

    A Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Thursday, sentenced a 27-year-old kidnapper, Umar Babangida, to 60 years imprisonment.

    The convict, found guilty of three charges bordering on kidnapping and cybercrime (ransom demand), each with a 20-year jail term, will, however, run the sentence concurrently.

    Justice N. E. Maha said Babangida was convicted and sentenced based on the evidence tendered against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    She said DSS was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the convict was a kidnapper through his confession in the video clip and other pieces of evidence against him.

    She, however, discharged Babangida of the charges of unlawful possession of firearms and conspiracy for want of evidence.

    “Therefore, Babangida is sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in Agodi for each of counts one, three and five, respectively.

    “Sentencing shall, however, run concurrently,” Maha held.

    The prosecution counsel, Mr T. A. Nurudeen, had earlier told the court that the convict committed the crime on June 14, 15 and 16, 2024, in the Akinyele area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Nurudeen said Babangida, a resident of Sabongida area of Jeba, Kwara, along with others, kidnapped two people and immediately initiated ransom negotiations with the victims’ relatives using the victims’ phone numbers.

    The prosecutor said the convict was apprehended after due intelligence report on the kidnapping.

  • A’Ibom: Kidnapped corps member recounts ordeal in captors’ den

    A’Ibom: Kidnapped corps member recounts ordeal in captors’ den

    Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a Corps Member, kidnapped on Jan. 9, along Enugu-Ezike Road, on her way to Kogi, says she faced torture and hunger in the hands of her captors.

    Joseph who was released on Jan. 13, gave the narration in Abak on Sunday, when Mr Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom visited her.

    She said: ”I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food.

    The corps member said that she and other hostages were beaten, left without food and dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables

    “I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, I reported at the orientation camp, and was sworn in on Nov. 29, 2024.

    “I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention.

    “I was returning to Kogi on Jan. 9, the incident happened at about 4.30p.m along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,” she said.

    Joseph said that while the journey was ongoing, a motorcycle rider broke the news of armed robbery attack in front

    “Surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen, he kept going forward until we met the kidnappers.

    “When they  started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush.

    “It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt, he was not taking hostage,” she said

    She expressed her appreciation to the NYSC scheme for its prompt response and solidarity during her ordeal

    Earlier, Pepple, thanked God for sparing the corps member’s life, and expressed the commitment of the NYSC scheme towards the safety of members.

    “As soon as we were informed of the incident, we swung into action to ensure her safe release. We are happy that she is back with her family.

    “The NYSC is a responsible organisation, we ensure adequate care for our members. We treat corps members as our children, so NYSC knows what to do for her.

    “I have seen her, she is in high spirit, and in good condition, which is different from what is being reported on the social media,” he said.(

  • Police neuralise suspected kidnapper in Benin, rescue victim

    Police neuralise suspected kidnapper in Benin, rescue victim

    Operatives of the Police Command in Edo have neutralised a suspected kidnapper  and rescued his victim in Egor area of the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Moses Yamu made this known on Tuesday in Benin.

    Yamu said that the suspect allegedly ambushed his victim, Iyobo Ighodaro, who was in his silver-coloured Mercedes Benz C350 car at gunpoint, and abducted him.

    Yamu said one Valentine Igbinevbo reported the matter at the Ugbowo Police Station on Sept. 15.

    He said the Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Emmanuel, swiftly mobilised and led a surveillance team to track the suspects to their hideout in Egor, on the outskirts on Benin.

    At the hideout, he said the suspects were negotiating for ransom using the victim’s phone.

    “On sighting the Police, a gun battle ensued and one male suspect, whose identity is yet unknown, sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

    “The second is believed to have narrowly escaped with gunshot injuries.

    “The operatives recovered the said vehicle, one cut to size gun, one live cartridge, a cutlass and three phones.

    “The victim was rescued unhurt, received medical attention and reunited with his loved ones while the corpse of the suspect was deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH),” he said.

    The police spokesperson quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nemi Iwo, as commending the DPO and his operatives for their effort in combating crime.

    The commissioner, however, warned all criminal elements in the state that their days were numbered if they continued in crime.

  • Police confirm death of suspected kidnapper, recover arms in Delta

    Police confirm death of suspected kidnapper, recover arms in Delta

    The Delta Police Command says a suspected kidnapper, who was hit during a gun battle with the police in Ewu community, has died at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, made the disclosure at a news conference on Thursday in Asaba.

    Abaniwonda, who did not disclose when the suspect died, gave the name of the deceased as Joel Ochuko Ofoye.

    He said the suspect was hit on Aug. 12 in Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta when police went with the suspect on investigation over a case of kidnapping.

    He said the suspect had earlier been arrested by the police on July 18.

    “The suspect led police operatives to Ewu community on the trail of a gun runner, who supply arms to the kidnapping gang.

    “In Ewu, the police team came under attack from the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the suspect.

    “The police team returned fire for fire and overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries.

    “However, the suspect Joel Ofoye was hit during the gun duel, and was taken to General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment,” Abaniwonda said.

    According to him, police recovered one Baretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with nine rounds of cartridges, and one locally-made revolver pump action.

    The CP said that the command had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, adding that the command would ensure no hidden place for criminals in the state.

    He disclosed that between July 25 till date, the police had arrested many suspected kidnappers, robbers and cultists across the state.

    Abaniwonda gave a breakdown of the recoveries to include four AK-47 rifles, 138 assorted ammunition and cartridges.

    According to him, the police also recovered eight pump action guns, 15 cut-to-size locally made guns and five English Baretta pistols.

  • Police detain notorious kidnapper, recover firearms, 27 ammunition in Kaduna

    Police detain notorious kidnapper, recover firearms, 27 ammunition in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, says Its operatives have detained a notorious kidnapper, recovered firearms and 27 live ammunition.

    The spokesperson of the command , ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “The Anti-kidnapping Unit of the command has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper.

    ”The  suspect, identified as Abdulrahman of Karshi, Abuja, was arrested in possession of an AK-47 rifle along with twenty-seven (27) rounds of live ammunition in Karshi.

    “Upon interrogation, Abdulrahman confessed to being involved in several kidnappings in Ikara Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.”

    Hassan further said that the suspect would be prosecuted upon the completion of preliminary investigations.

    He said that the Commissioner of Police,  Audu  Dabigi, has commended the officers involved for their exemplary work .

    He reassured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property throughout the state.

  • Kogi LG chairman escapes from kidnappers den

    Kogi LG chairman escapes from kidnappers den

    The police in Kogi have said that the caretaker chairman (CTC) of Kabba/Bunu local government area, Mr Zacchaeus Dare-Michael, has escaped from his kidnappers’ den.

    Dare-Michael was on Friday reportedly kidnapped by some gunmen on the Kaba-Okene road while on his way home.

    He was said to have been abducted alongside some of his aides.

    Confirming this, the Kogi Police Command’s spokesman, Williams Ovye-Aya, said” I can confirm that the chairman graciously escaped from kidnappers in the early hours of Saturday.

    “Our Divisional Police Officer in Kabba has confirmed that to me.

    “It’s the work of God that the chairman was able to escape from his abductors

    “We give God the glory that he has returned to his family hale and hearty.

    “All the same, our officers and men are already trailing the kidnappers to arrest them and rescue other people in their possessions, ” he said.

    A family friend who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said: “I heard that the chairman is back home.  I am yet to visit his family house.”