The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects, including a man allegedly involved in the kidnapping of his own father, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against kidnapping and armed robbery networks in Kaduna State.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were arrested during investigations into a wider criminal syndicate accused of operating across Kaduna and nearby communities. Police say the group was involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.
According to the Force Public Relations Office, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and another suspect, Ali Haruna—who is currently on the run and also said to be the victim’s grandson—to abduct Alhaji Rabo Jelani for ransom.
Police said the suspects targeted the elderly man over claims that he owned significant wealth and livestock.
Authorities further disclosed that the syndicate operated with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, and used forest hideouts to hold victims while ransom negotiations were carried out.
One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to trace additional weapons linked to the group.
Investigators also revealed that the victim was allegedly kidnapped more than once by the same network, with ransom payments reportedly amounting to ₦2 million and ₦4.5 million in separate incidents.
Beyond the abduction of Alhaji Jelani, the suspects were also linked to other violent crimes, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis.
The police said efforts are continuing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and dismantle the broader criminal network operating in the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to fighting violent crime, the Nigeria Police Force said it will sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at breaking kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates across the country.