In a coordinated operation based on intelligence and technical support, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police has smashed an eleven man kidnap gang that had for some time now terrorised Kaduna State, the FCT and other North-Central States of Nigeria.

“This dare devil criminal gang was responsible for the abduction of the Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Alfred Claude-Nelson, on June 30, 2016, the Executive Director of Dangote Group and many other high profile kidnap for ransom in recent times,” Force spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah, said.

Continuing, Awunah said in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja: “The modus operandi of these criminal elements includes mounting road blocks on highways in Military uniforms, surprise attack on unsuspecting motorist and relocating from one point to other in the forest with their victims to avoid detection and arrest.

“In order to halt the apparent trend in the increase of kidnap for ransom, armed robbery and other anti-social behaviours, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag.IGP Ibrahim Idris, NPM, mni has reorganised the tactical operations teams to tackle crime and criminality throughout the country.

To this end, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the IGP Monitoring Unit, the Nigeria Police on July 2, 2016 carried out tactical surveillance of the Abuja-Kaduna axis and all the adjoining states.

“This coordinated operation led to the arrest of eleven members of the notorious gang that has been terrorising the North-Central States of the country with arms and ammunition recovered from them.”

Awunah listed the suspected kidnappers in police custody as:

1. Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf ‘m’ Aged 45yrs - Gang Leader

2. Garba Abubakar ‘m’ aka Habu Aged 27yrs - 2i/c Gang Leader

3. Yusuf Adamu ‘m’Aged 20yrs

4. Hussaini Musa ‘m’ Aged 25yrs

5. Shuaibu Idris ‘m’ Aged 35yrs

6. Usman Bello ‘m’ Aged 20yrs

7. Musa Ali ‘m’ Aged 45yrs

8. Muhammadu Abubakar ‘m’ Aged 30yrs

9. Suleiman Abubakar ‘m’ Aged 25yrs

10. Gambo Ibrahim ‘m’ Aged 25yrs

11. Balarabe Mohammadu ‘m’ Aged 32yrs

The Police Spokesman disclosed that the Intelligence Response Team Operatives also recovered the following arms and ammunitions:

1. Three (3) AK 47 rifles

2. Three (3) AK 47 rifle magazines loaded with ninety rounds of ammunition

3. Two (2) sets of Military camouflage uniforms.

Concluding, Awunah said: “Investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court as soon as it is concluded.

“Similarly, the Ag. IGP Ibrahim K. Idris has ordered the same Intelligence based operations throughout the federation to flush out all criminal elements.

“Also, the IGP has directed the State Commissioners of Police and Technical/Operation Commanders to improve the response rate on issues of crimes and criminality, assuring law abiding citizens of protection of their fundamental human rights.

“Ag.IGP Idris assures all members of the Diplomatic community of their safety and adequate security in Nigeria.

“He also reiterated that crime prevention, management and control must be approached from the perspective of collective responsibility.”

•Photo shows suspected kidnappers of Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Alfred Claude-Nelson.

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