Exhibits from the midnight raid
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a daring midnight operation, the Jigawa State Police Command has taken down a notorious kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorizing communities across Jigawa and Kano States—killing five suspects, arresting 28 others, and rescuing an 80-year-old woman unharmed.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed T. Abdullahi, announced the breakthrough during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Dutse, praising the strategic coordination and bravery of his men and local security collaborators.
“On May 16 at about 2:00 a.m., we received intelligence that a 12-man gang had abducted Hajiya Hajara, aged 80, from Minjibir LGA in Kano and was moving her through Jigawa,” CP Abdullahi revealed.
Acting swiftly, a joint team of police operatives from Gumel, Gagarawa, Sule Tankarkar, Garki, and other divisions, supported by vigilantes and hunters, stormed the suspected hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages. A fierce gun battle ensued, leaving five kidnappers dead and five—including the syndicate’s kingpin, Yahya (35)—in custody. Yahya sustained a leg injury and is currently assisting investigations.
The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, one multipurpose machine gun, 14 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, and three mobile phones believed to belong to the criminals or their victims.
“Most importantly, the kidnapped victim was rescued without harm and reunited with her family. A medical check confirmed she is in stable condition,” the CP confirmed.
In related operations, the command arrested 14 suspects in Gwaram LGA for drug-related offenses, seizing large quantities of narcotics, including Exol-5, D5 Valium, Tramadol, Indian hemp, and toxic mixtures.
Counterfeit currency rackets were also busted. In Birnin Kudu, police arrested four suspects with 163 fake $100 notes. In Babura LGA, one man was caught with over ₦1.1 million in suspected fake naira notes, foreign currencies, and multiple ATM cards.
“These victories reflect the courage and professionalism of our officers. Criminals are learning that Jigawa is no longer a safe haven,” CP Abdullahi said. He urged residents to continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
As the command intensifies its crackdowns, communities across Jigawa State can breathe a little easier—knowing that the fight against crime is far from over, but the tide is turning.