Police arrest 31 suspected kidnappers, robbers near Niger, kill 5

- Men of the Nigerian police force have dismantled robbery and kidnapping gangs near Niger 

- 31 of the suspects were paraded while 5 were killed in a gun battle with the police 

- The police also lost Sergeant Shettima Abdullahi when they were ambushed by the criminals At a press briefing given by CSP Jimoh Moshood, the public relations officer of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), it was announced that 31 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers were paraded. 

The criminals were accused of terrorizing the Abuja-Minna and Abuja-Kaduna highways. They were paraded at Dikko, near Suleja, Niger state. 

The names of the suspects were announced on the NPF Facebook page, and it was also announced that 5 of the suspected kidnappers were killed in a gunfight with the police.


Sadly, the police lost Sergeant Shettima Abdullahi after they were ambushed by the criminals. Arms and ammunitions were recovered from the criminals as well as military boots, fatigues, caps and materials belonging to their victims

 

In his statement, CSP Moshood said: "Consequent on the reinforcement of Operation Absolute Sanity on Abuja- Minna Highway with more personnel of Special Tactical Squad and additional two (2) units of Special Police Forces by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni to tackle the gangs of Kidnappers that escaped arrest on Abuja – Kaduna Highway and relocated to some roads in Niger State.

 

"In the operation that is still ongoing, four (4) different vicious and notorious Kidnap for ransom gangs including those dealing in illegal possession of prohibited fire arms were dislodged and busted. "Also arrested is a gang that is responsible for the killings of some security personnel on Kaduna – Abuja road and Abuja – Lokoja road recently. "They equally confessed to have assaulted some of their victims. 

A total number of thirty one (31) suspected kidnappers / Armed Robbers were arrested in the operation. They confessed to the offence and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime. "The arms and ammunition, kidnappers operational vehicles listed above and other properties belonging to some of their victims, who were rescued from the gangs, were recovered from them.

 "Most of the suspects were identified by the victims and for being responsible for their kidnap. Investigation is being intensified to arrest the other suspects at large. All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of Investigation."