Police foil kidnap plot on Jigawa–Bauchi border, arrest two suspects

Police in Jigawa State say they have foiled a kidnapping plot on the Jigawa–Bauchi border and arrested two suspects before any harm was done.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam.

According to SP Adam, the command uncovered the criminal conspiracy on 23 May 2026. He said the plot involved one Adamu Gari, 55, of Zabo Kafi Village in Kafin Hausa LGA, and Abdullahi Adamu, 40, of Fatiske Village in Jama’are LGA, Bauchi State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo and other syndicate members allegedly kidnapped two individuals from Jama’are town,” SP Adam stated.

He added that both men were arrested in their hometowns before the act could be carried out.

The PPRO noted that the suspects are now assisting the police with useful information as investigations continue.

He said more arrests are expected as the Command tracks other fleeing members.

SP Adam also reported several other operations across the state last week, saying “the arrests covered kidnapping, armed robbery, theft, and cattle rustling.”

“On 22 May 2026, detectives from the State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects linked to armed robbery in Hadejia Emirate,” the PPRO said.

The suspects were identified as Musa, alias Kala, 45, of Fateka Settlement; Manu Abdullahi, 30, of Mashin Bura Village; and Yusuf Ibrahim, 35, of Marke Village.

He further disclosed that a search of Yusuf Ibrahim’s premises led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle. “Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending other fleeing members and recovering more operational weapons,” SP Adam said.

In another operation on 23 May at about 5:24 a.m., police in Gwaram Division arrested two suspected thieves. SP Adam named them as Mustapha Badamasi, 30, of Innakawa Village, and Khalid Zubairu, 20, of Kofar Kuka.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were caught with two stolen sheep and a Bajaj motorcycle allegedly used in their operations. “The stolen animals were successfully recovered, and the suspects are assisting in ongoing investigations,” he added.

Later that same day at about 7:20 p.m., operatives in Taura Division arrested two suspected cattle rustlers. SP Adam said Sulaiman Isa, 18, and Ibrahim Muhammad, 30, both of Yanyanga Settlement, were caught with four stolen sheep.

“Police swift intervention led to the recovery of the animals before they could be disposed of,” SP Adam stated. He confirmed that the suspects have been charged to court.

However, on 26 May, the Jigawa police dismantled a robbery gang that mounted an illegal roadblock on the Ringim–Chaichai Road. “One Haruna Adamu was arrested on the spot, while Ja’o Muhammad, 55, and Ja’o Sabo were later apprehended,” the PPRO said.

Adam noted that the syndicate had been terrorising motorists along that route, adding that “investigation is ongoing to recover more exhibits and arrest other members.”

The command also recorded breakthroughs in motorcycle theft cases. On 27 May at 8:30 a.m., police and vigilantes recovered a Boxer motorcycle stolen from its owner.

Similarly, on 29 May at 8:30 p.m., operatives recovered another Boxer motorcycle abandoned by fleeing suspects at Laraba Village, Dutse LGA. “Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was to be used for unlawful activities,” Adam said.

Commending officers of the command, SP Adam said the Commissioner of Police “reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.”

He urged residents to support police operations. “Members of the public should continue giving timely and credible information to aid in preventing and detecting crimes,” SP Adam quoted the Commissioner as saying.