The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six persons suspected to be part of an inter-state kidnapping network that has been terrorizing commuters along the Suleja-Kontagora route.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects allegedly specialized in luring unsuspecting passengers with private vehicles before drugging and abducting them. Investigations revealed that the victims were later moved to hideouts in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States.

The breakthrough followed a case reported on February 7, 2026, involving the abduction of a woman and her infant in Suleja. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million. The victim’s family was able to pay ₦9.5 million before she managed to escape from captivity.

Police said the gang did not stop there. They later used the victim’s abandoned phone and ATM card to target another woman in Shagari, Sokoto State, who was traveling to Kontagora. In that case, they demanded an additional ₦10.5 million.

The six suspects were apprehended between July and August 2026 during coordinated operations. During the arrest of one of them, Abdullahi Sani, in Zaria, operatives recovered various charms. Sani reportedly told investigators that he linked some of his clients to the gang through an alleged mastermind, Mustapha Yusuf.

Authorities noted that while the six suspects are currently in custody, three key figures remain at large. They were identified as Mustapha Yusuf, Jafar and Fatima. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest them.

The Command has called on residents to stay alert and share credible information with security agencies to help curb the activities of criminal gangs in the state.

Source: NTA News