The police command in Jigawa says it has apprehended 13 suspects over alleged kidnapping, robbery, theft, and cattle rustling. The police also recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle, three motorcycles and six sheep during separate operations.

In a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Shiisu Lawan, on Sunday, the police said operatives of the command apprehended the suspects during a sustained intelligence-led operation and coordinated raids aimed at curbing criminal activities and strengthening public safety across the state.

The command said operatives of the State Intelligence Department on May 22 detained three suspected members of a robbery syndicate allegedly linked to a series of attacks in Hadejia.

He said the suspects hailed from Malammadori and Kaugama Local Government Areas of the state.

“A fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered during a search at the suspect’s residence, while investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group,” the police statement said.

The operatives also uncovered a suspected kidnapping plot and detained two suspects, adding that the suspects hailed from Kafin-Hausa LGA.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects, alongside other accomplices, allegedly planned to abduct two persons from Jama’are town before the operation was foiled,” the statement added.

The operatives attached to Gwaram Division detained two suspects on May 23 for the alleged theft of two sheep and recovered the stolen animals, and a motorcycle allegedly used to commit the crime.

Similarly, the operatives attached to Taura Division nabbed two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered four sheep. Charges have been filed against the suspects.

Additionally, the operatives foiled a robbery attempt alongside the Ringim–Chaichai Road, following reports that a criminal gang had mounted an illegal roadblock to target unsuspecting motorists. One suspect was arrested at the scene, and two others were apprehended during follow-up operations.

Meanwhile, the command said it made a breakthrough in its campaign against motorcycle theft, recovering two motorcycles in separate operations.

“One of the motorcycles, earlier stolen from its owner, was recovered through a joint operation involving police operatives and vigilantes. The second motorcycle was recovered at Laraba Village in Dutse LGA, after suspected criminals abandoned it and fled upon sighting security personnel,” the police said.

(NAN)