The Jigawa State Police Command has announced a series of major security breakthroughs, including the dismantling of a notorious kidnap gang terrorizing parts of Kano and Jigawa States.
Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, revealed the developments during a press briefing held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dutse.
According to CP Abdullahi, the successful raid followed “strategic intelligence gathering, coordinated and aggressive raids, and the unwavering dedication of our personnel,” including officers from the Gumel Area Command, vigilantes, hunters, and Yan Bulala.
He disclosed that on May 16, 2025, a group of twelve armed kidnappers abducted an 80-year-old woman, Hajiya Hajara, from Minjibir LGA in Kano State.
The suspects, riding five motorcycles, attempted to move through Jigawa when police received intelligence indicating their location between Danzomo and Medi villages.
“In the process, the security forces engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. During the encounter, five members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate lost their lives,” the CP said.
Five suspects were arrested, including the gang leader, Yahya, 35, from Katore Fulani settlement in Garki LGA. Yahya sustained a leg injury and is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.
The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, a multipurpose machine gun, fourteen rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and, most importantly, rescued the victim unhurt. “A medical examination confirmed that the victim is in stable condition,” Abdullahi added.
Crackdowns on drug dealers, fraudsters, others
The Commissioner also highlighted several other operations carried out between April and May 2025, including arrests in drug-related crimes, child abuse, fraud, and forgery.
In Sara town and Gwaram Sabuwa, both in Gwaram LGA, police arrested 14 suspects for drug possession. Exhibits recovered included 380 Exol-5 tablets, 330 Valium D5 tablets, 44 pieces of Tramadol, 84 units of robber solution, Indian hemp, and three litres of “Sock and Die.” The suspects have been charged to court.
Another disturbing case involved child cruelty in Gwaram LGA. A 40-year-old man, Abdulhamid Aliyu, allegedly locked and tortured his 7-year-old son for five days. The child was rescued and treated at FMC Birnin Kudu, while the suspect was arrested and charged.
On May 12, four suspected fraudsters were arrested in Birnin Kudu after luring victims into a bush under the guise of exchanging dollars.
They were caught with counterfeit foreign currency, including 163 fake $100 notes. They confessed to targeting unsuspecting locals.
Similarly, in Babura LGA, one Ibrahim Yahaya was arrested with counterfeit naira totaling ₦1.132 million, a fake $100 bill, 70 Egyptian pounds, and multiple ATM cards. He confessed to defrauding residents in Kano and Jigawa.
“These remarkable achievements are a clear demonstration of the capacity, resilience, and professionalism of the Jigawa State Police Command,” CP Abdullahi noted.
He commended officers in the Gumel and Ringim Area Commands and praised the vital roles played by vigilantes, hunters, and Yan Bulala.
“I urge the good people of Jigawa State to continue providing useful information and support. Together, we can build a safer and more secure environment for all,” he concluded.
