Security forces arrest 13 suspects in FCT–Kaduna banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling ring
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested thirteen suspects believed to be behind a major network of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kaduna State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests followed a series of coordinated clearance operations carried out between July 5 and July 8 at Gwagwalada in Abuja and Gurara Dam area in Kaduna State, based on actionable intelligence.
The operations led to the arrest of six suspected bandits and kidnappers, five logistics suppliers, one suspected informant, and a driver connected to the criminal network. Fifteen rustled sheep were recovered during the raid.
Those arrested were identified as Aminu Dalha, Babangida Abubakar, Mohammed Adams, Ardo Bawa Idris, Shehu Mohammed, Shaibu Jibrin, Isah Abdullahi, Tanko Yusuf, Sahabi Alhaji Sani, Umar Usman, Abdullahi Mohammed, Abubakar Suleiman, and Abdul Haruna, all males.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had been involved in multiple raids across forested areas where livestock were rustled and victims abducted for ransom. One of the suspects, Aminu Dalha, confessed to having received seven cows from the bandits, which were later intercepted.
In a surprising twist, Aminu was reportedly sent to collect more livestock from a camp but was held hostage by the same bandits, who demanded a ransom of ₦500,000 for his release, which was paid.
Four victims, Alhaji Adamu Saidu from Gurara Dam, Yakubu Bello from Kagarko, and Ya’u Idris and Sani Jibrin both from Gurara, have identified some of the suspects as part of the gang that attacked them and stole their animals at gunpoint.
Recovered animals were traced to one of the suspects, Shehu Mohammed, in Gwagwalada.
The suspects are currently in custody undergoing interrogations.
