Police Arrest 2 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue 7 Victims In Taraba, Niger

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested two suspected kidnappers for banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal possession of firearms.

Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said police operatives attached to the Taraba State command, acting on credible intelligence, trailed a gang of suspected kidnappers and upon confrontation, one of the suspects identified as Lookman Tanko, was arrested.
Recovered from him were one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action rifle, and one long gun.

He also stated that detectives from the FID IRT successfully arrested Peter Apai, a 45-year-old male from Mubai District, Ardo Kola LGA, Taraba State, following credible intelligence regarding kidnappers and illegal possession of arms. During the operation, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and one AK-47 magazine were recovered from the suspect.

The police confirmed that both suspects were in custody undergoing investigation and will be charged to court soon.

Meanwhile, after a group of suspected kidnappers invaded Tungan-Boka and Masaha villages of Mashegu LGA of Niger State and kidnapped seven persons, operatives of the Niger State Police Command, in collaboration with local security teams, mobilised for a rescue operation, and trailed the suspected kidnappers to a forest within Tungan-Boka village where the kidnappers were engaged in a gun duel.

ACP Adejobi said: “In the ensuing duel, the kidnappers were overpowered, and the seven kidnapped persons were rescued unhurt.”

The police also said in Plateau State, acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives attached to the state command raided a criminal hideout along Bauchi Road in Jos North Local Government Area of the State.

“An abandoned ash-colored Golf Wagon was recovered. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 500 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition. These recoveries are linked to an ongoing investigation into a culpable homicide case reported on May 3, 2025, where an unidentified individual was killed. Efforts are being intensified to locate and arrest the perpetrators of these acts,” the Force PRO added.