Two notorious kidnappers, Yawu Usman and Idris Abdulahi, causing havoc and putting innocent Nigerians through pains in Kaduna and Nassarawa forests have been nabbed by the IGP Intelligence Response Squad (IRT).
One Ak-47 Rifle and one Ak-47 Magazine was recovered from the blood-tasty kidnappers.
Giving vivid details of the incident, spokesman of the police, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi noted that on August 10, 2024, an intelligence report revealed the presence of a kidnap gang operating in the Kaduna and Nasarawa-Eggon regions, with their hideout located in Kidan-Maga Forest.
Upon receiving this information, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by DCP Sanusi Mohammed, promptly launched an operation to investigate and apprehend members of the syndicate.
“On August 28, 2024, IRT operatives successfully arrested two individuals connected to the kidnapping ring: Yawu Usman, a 30-year-old male from Barde Village, Kaduna State, and Idris Abdulahi, a 25-year-old male from Kwoi Village, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
“During the investigation, one of the victims who had been kidnapped at his residence in Keffi, Nasarawa State, positively identified Yawu Usman as a member of the gang responsible for his abduction.
“The victim revealed that the kidnappers had extorted ₦6 million naira along with other valuable items during the incident. Confronted with this testimony, Yawu Usman admitted to the crime and his involvement in the gang.
“In his confession, Yawu Usman disclosed his affiliation with the notorious “Mungu Gwarkaye” kidnapping gang, which is led by one Yahaya Nuhu, who remains at large. He confirmed his participation in at least six kidnappings since joining the gang in early 2023.
“According to him, negotiations for ransom were handled by the gang’s leaders, and he personally benefited over ₦1 million naira from their operations. He further explained that he used part of these proceeds to purchase a motorcycle, which he used to transport kidnapped victims to forest hideouts after their abductions.
“Idris Abdulahi, the second arrested individual, revealed that he had contacted Yawu Usman with the intention of orchestrating the kidnapping of an individual known as “Eto,” who had refused to lend him a motorcycle. “Abdullahi also confessed that he was recently initiated into the “Mungu Gwarkaye” gang and that this was his first attempt at coordinating a kidnapping, which ultimately led to his arrest.
“During questioning, Yawu Usman informed investigators that the gang was armed with three AK-47 rifles and one English pistol, all purchased by their leader, Yahaya Nuhu. Upon Yawu Usman’s arrest, one of the AK-47 rifles, along with an empty magazine, was recovered from his possession.
“Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to capture Yahaya Nuhu, the gang leader, and other members of the kidnapping syndicate operating in the region.” Adejobi said.