Soldiers raid kidnappers’ hideouts in Abuja, arrest three

Three suspects have been taken into custody by Nigerian Army troops conducting anti-kidnap operations after raiding suspected kidnappers' hideouts in Abuja's Bwari Area Council.

Two accomplices and one informant of the kidnappers are among the detained suspects.

According to The PUNCH, kidnappers are increasingly using Bwari Area Council as a hotspot these days.

In the area council, at least twenty people were abducted on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Army announced in a statement on Friday that the soldiers had taken from the suspects illegal drugs, five ATM cards, and guns.

"On Thursday, May 23, 2024, troops in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory raided a suspected kidnapper's hideout in Ajegunle Mpape, targeting a notorious informant known for harbouring kidnappers," the statement stated. Throughout the operation, Ashiru Mohammed, an informant suspect, and his two female accomplices, Sadiya Mohammed and Raham Abubakar, were captured by the military.

One Beretta pistol, one pistol magazine, and twenty-one rounds of 9mm ammunition were discovered on the suspects. Along with two cell phones, five ATM cards from various banks, and perhaps illegal substances, the troops also found these items. The suspects are presently assisting with additional inquiries.

Additionally, the army reported that during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo state, soldiers apprehended a possible kidnapper.

According to the agency, the suspect acknowledged being a kidnapper and a cattle rustler.
"In a similar event, troops in Igbeti Local Government Area conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Igboho-Igbeti Road in response to a tip regarding a kidnapping gang operating around Sepeteri in the Shaki general area of Oyo State. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a suspected kidnapper, was apprehended by the troops and discovered to be in possession of N400,000.00.

"Aliyu admitted to being involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling upon additional investigation. Following investigations, the suspects would be turned over to the proper prosecuting authorities, the statement continued.