Jigawa Police Dismantle Deadly Kidnapping Syndicate, Rescue 80-Year-Old Woman: 5 Criminals K!lled, 5 Arrested Including Kingpin
In a major breakthrough that reinforces public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force, the Jigawa State Police Command has successfully dismantled a dangerous and well-organized kidnapping syndicate that has long terrorized residents across Kano and Jigawa States. This daring and strategic operation, carried out in close collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, resulted in the k!lling of five kidnappers, the arrest of five others, and the rescue of an 80-year-old victim, identified as Hajiya Hajara.
This significant achievement was disclosed by Commissioner of Police (CP) Ahmed T. Abdullahi during a press briefing held in Dutse on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. CP Abdullahi praised the professionalism, bravery, and tireless efforts of his men, local security outfits, and community stakeholders who made the operation possible.
“Through strategic intelligence gathering, coordinated and aggressive raids, and the unwavering dedication of our personnel, particularly Police personnel from Gumel, Gagarawa, Gujungu, Sule Tankarka, Garki, and Ringim Divisions led by Gumel Area Commander, alongside local vigilantes, hunters, and Yanbulala, the Command has achieved a major breakthrough in bursting a gang of kidnappers around Garki and Sule Tankarkar axis that terrorise Kano and Jigawa States,” the CP stated.
The Kidnapping Incident: How It All Started
According to CP Ahmed T. Abdullahi, the operation was launched following a disturbing report of a kidnapping incident that occurred on May 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 AM. A group of twelve heavily armed men, riding on five motorcycles, stormed the residence of Hajiya Hajara, an 80-year-old woman living in Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State.
"On 16th May, 2025 at about 0200hrs, Intel at disposal of the Command revealed that, a group of armed men, numbering about twelve (12) riding on five (5) motorcycles stormed the residence of Hajiya Hajara 'f' age 80yrs of Minjibir LGA Kano State, forcefully took her away on their motorcycles and attempted to pass through Jigawa State."
The gang's strategy was clear: abduct the elderly woman from Kano and escape through the remote villages in Sule Tankarkar and Garki Local Government Areas of Jigawa State, where they believed they could hide from law enforcement and negotiate ransom.
Swift Police Action: Intelligence, Collaboration, and Firefight
Immediately after receiving the distress report, the Jigawa State Police Command sprang into action. Leveraging actionable intelligence, the police determined that the kidnappers were hiding in a remote area between Danzomo and Medi villages—both located in the Sule Tankarkar and Garki LGAs of Jigawa State.
"Upon receipt of the intelligence report which indicated that the hoodlums were hibernating between Danzomo and Medi villages of Sule Tankarkar/ Garki LGAs."
The Police Force, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, traditional hunters, and a local defense group known as Yanbulala, conducted a high-risk combing operation of the entire area. What followed was a fierce gun duel between the security operatives and the heavily armed kidnappers.
"Consequently, the Police personnel and other local security outfits combed the general area for possible rescue of the victim and arrest the perpetrators. In the process, the security forces engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun dual."
Criminals Neutralized: Five Kidnappers K!lled, Five Arrested Including Kingpin
During the intense firefight, five members of the kidnapping gang were gunned down by security forces. In addition, five other suspects were successfully arrested, including the gang’s notorious kingpin, identified as Yahya, a 35-year-old man from the Katore Fulani settlement in Garki LGA.
"During the encounter five (5) members of notorious kidnapping syndicate lost their lives while five suspects were arrested including the kingpin, Yahya 'm' age 35yrs of Katore Fulani settlement, Garki LGA, who eventually sustained a leg injury."
The injured kingpin and the other suspects are now in police custody and are actively assisting the ongoing investigation.
“However, they were taken into custody and currently assisting investigation.”
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
The success of the operation was further highlighted by the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and communication devices from the kidnappers. According to the Commissioner of Police, the items recovered include:
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Two AK-47 rifles
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One Multipurpose Machine Gun (MPMG)
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Fourteen live rounds of ammunition
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Two motorcycles used during the abduction
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Three mobile phones believed to belong to the kidnappers or their victims
"The police recovered two (2) AK-47 rifles, one (1) Multipurpose Machine Gun, fourteen (14) live ammunition, two (2) motorcycles believed to have been used by criminal elements and three (3) mobile handsets suspected to belong to victims and/or suspects."
Victim Rescued Unharmed and Reunited With Family
The most heartwarming outcome of this daring operation was the successful rescue of 80-year-old Hajiya Hajara, who was found unharmed and in stable condition. She was quickly reunited with her family, bringing much relief to her loved ones and the wider community.
“Most importantly, I am pleased to inform you that during the operation, the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family. A medical examination confirmed that the victim is in stable condition.”
A Message to Criminal Elements and Reassurance to the Public
This incident sends a strong and clear message to criminal syndicates operating in Northern Nigeria: the Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with local communities, is fully committed to stamping out kidnapping and violent crimes in the region.
The Commissioner of Police called on all residents of Jigawa and Kano States to continue to cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information that could help prevent crime.
The dismantling of this dangerous gang not only underscores the importance of community policing but also highlights how intelligence-driven operations can save lives and bring criminals to justice.
Why This Matters: Rising Kidnapping Trends in Northern Nigeria
The scourge of kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in Northern Nigeria. States like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Jigawa have seen a sharp increase in abductions, with both rural dwellers and urban residents falling victim. Elderly individuals, children, and travelers have often been targeted.
This latest success by the Jigawa State Police Command adds to a growing list of victories in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in Nigeria, but it also serves as a reminder that there is more work to be done.
Final Thoughts
The brave efforts of the Jigawa State Police Command, alongside local vigilantes, hunters, and community members, have once again proven that collaboration is key to defeating criminality. The rescue of Hajiya Hajara is not just a victory for her family but a triumph for every Nigerian who dreams of a safer, more secure country.
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