The Nigeria Police Force has officially reported the apprehension of additional kidnappers associated with the tragic killing of Naheeba Kadriyar, a 400-level student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Naheeba and her sister were abducted in Abuja. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, revealed in a statement on February 16, 2024, that the Lagos State Command tactical team successfully conducted raids on criminal hideouts in Ijanikin, Alasia, and Era, resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects, including Emeka Collins, a wanted individual.
A separate incident in Nasarawa State led to the arrest of Daniel Akpadiaha, who assaulted and attempted to abduct 31-year-old Martha Dogara on her way home on February 13, 2024. ACP Adejobi emphasized the police force’s dedication to eradicating criminal activities across the country since the heinous murder of Naheeba.
He highlighted the success of the IGP Special Intervention Squad (SIS), mentioning the apprehension of Idris Ishaku, alias Yellow, a member of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for Naheeba’s abduction. The statement also recalled the arrest of Bello Umar, another syndicate member in charge of ransom collection, and the subsequent neutralization of key members, including gang leader Mai Gemu AKA Godara.
The police continued their operations with the elimination of Isa Dei-Dei, a gang leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in the Dei-Dei axis of the FCT. Additionally, the FID-IRT neutralized a group of kidnappers and gun runners in Nasarawa State on February 8, 2024. Another successful operation on February 15th in Nasarawa State resulted in the rescue of two victims abducted three weeks earlier.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Saidu Abdulkadir, a wanted informant, while a separate incident on February 15th in Plateau State saw the rescue of three individuals abducted by unknown gunmen. In a subsequent gun battle, the police thwarted the hoodlums and rescued the victims.
On the same day, Daniel Akpadiaha, aged 42, was arrested in Nasarawa State for attempting to abduct Martha Dogara. The victim’s belongings were recovered, along with a locally made pistol, during a search of the suspect’s residence. The Lagos State Command tactical team also raided criminal hideouts on February 15th, arresting 22 suspects, including Emeka Collins.
The police force assured the public of its commitment to combating crime, vowing to relentlessly pursue criminals until peace and tranquility are restored. The spokesman also provided updates on ongoing investigations into the Ekiti school pupils’ kidnapping and the killings of traditional rulers in Ekiti and Kwara states, promising the apprehension of all involved suspects.
The statement concluded with the disclosure that the Sokoto State Police Command arrested four suspected kidnappers, neutralized bandits, and recovered arms along the Bodinga-Tambunwal Highway on February 13, 2024. The suspects confessed to planning a kidnapping operation before being intercepted by the police. Additionally, suspected bandits near Gigane Village, Sokoto State, engaged in a gun duel with the State Tactical Team, resulting in neutralizations and the recovery of a GPMG rifle with live ammunition. Efforts are underway to locate other fleeing gang members and apprehend criminal elements in the state.
END.