The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to the abduction of three newly graduated military recruits in Zamfara State, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating across the North-West.
The Command said one of the suspects had made useful disclosures that could assist investigators in tracking other members of the criminal network behind the July 2026 abduction.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted at about 6:15 a.m. on August 1, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Mallan Abubakar, a resident of Gargam Village in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Usman Muhammadu, said to be from Ajera, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The police said credible intelligence linked the duo to the kidnapping of the three recruits, who were abducted in July while travelling along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu axis of Zamfara State after completing their military training.
One of the victims was identified as Kabiru Hassan, a native of Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while the two others are from Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
The Command, however, confirmed that all three recruits had regained their freedom.
It stated, “During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects made useful disclosures regarding the abduction of the three military recruits in July 2026 along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu axis of Zamfara State.
“One of the victims is Kabiru Hassan of Ribah, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, while the other two victims are from Zuru Local Government Area. The victims have since regained their freedom.”
The police said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended officers involved in the operation, describing the arrests as a testament to the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
He assured residents that the police would sustain intelligence-driven operations to enhance security and bring criminal elements to justice.
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