The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping gang and rescued several victims during an operation in Kaduna State.

The arrests were carried out on 3rd April 2026 by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad. Those detained include Yusuf Shuaibu (23), Abubakar Bature (19), Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman (19), Abdul Kareem Nuhu (36), and Ahmed Musa (28). 

According to police, the group is linked to multiple abduction cases in Kaduna and surrounding areas, with hideouts traced to Rijana Forest. Among the incidents is the October 2025 kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son, where a ransom of ₦24 million was paid but only the son was later freed unharmed during a police intervention. Efforts to rescue the officer are still underway.

The suspects are also believed to be involved in another abduction involving a child and other family members, where ₦18 million was collected before the victims were eventually rescued.

Police said investigations are continuing to track down other members of the syndicate, recover weapons, and secure the release of remaining captives.