The Jigawa State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime and criminality within the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, made this known during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital. He disclosed that the police had successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate, neutralizing five of its members and arresting five others from the 12-member gang. In total, 30 suspects were apprehended in connection with various crimes across the state.
“We have achieved a major success in dismantling a kidnapping gang that has been terrorizing the Garki and Sule Tankarkar areas of Jigawa and Kano States,” the Commissioner stated.
According to Abdullahi, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving officers from Gumel, Gagarawa, Gujungu, Sule Tankarkar, Garki, and Ringim Divisions, under the leadership of the Gumel Area Commander. Local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the Yan Bulala group also played a key role in the joint operation.
Acting on credible intelligence received in the early hours of May 16, 2025, the police learned that armed kidnappers had abducted an 80-year-old woman from Kano State and were attempting to transport her through Jigawa. Security operatives swiftly mobilized, intercepting the gang and engaging them in a fierce gun battle.
“Five of the kidnappers were killed in the shootout, while five others were arrested, including the gang leader, Yahya, who sustained a leg injury,” Abdullahi said.
The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, one multipurpose machine gun, 14 live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and three mobile phones believed to belong to victims or suspects. The kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with her family.
In addition to dismantling the kidnapping ring, the Command also arrested 14 suspects involved in criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and possession of illicit drugs. Items recovered included Exol 5, Valium, Tramadol, and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Commissioner also revealed that a seven-year-old boy, who was allegedly tortured by his neighbor in Gwaram Local Government Area, had been rescued. The suspect responsible for the abuse has been arrested and charged to court.
Furthermore, four suspects were arrested for fraud and counterfeiting, with fake U.S. dollars and Nigerian currency recovered. Two more suspects were taken into custody for forgery, including possession of counterfeit notes and ATM cards.
CP Abdullahi commended the bravery and professionalism of officers from the Gumel and Ringim Area Commands, as well as the vital support provided by local vigilante groups, hunters, and the Yan Bulala.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Jigawa State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that criminals have no refuge in the state. “We are working tirelessly to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone,” the Commissioner stated.
He also called on residents to continue cooperating with the police by sharing timely and credible information that could aid in crime prevention and investigation.
Some of the suspects, he said, have already been charged to court, while others remain under investigation.
Commissioner Abdullahi expressed his appreciation to the Jigawa State Government, other security agencies, traditional leaders, and the media for their continued support in the fight against crime.
