Police nabs 1000 kidnap suspects along Kaduna-Abuja highway

Over 1000 kidnap suspects have been arrested along the AbujaKaduna highway in the last nine months.

This, according to a security report made available to Daily Trust on Sunday, includes those involved in high profile killings and abductions.

The suspects who were arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) also recovered over 3000 automatic rifles as well as thousands of live ammunition.

Armed bandits operating along the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna highway, had in May, abducted 87 passengers prompting leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), to ask its members to exercise caution while plying the route.

The IGP, Ibrahim Idris, also ordered the head of the IRT team, Abba Kyari, to relocate to the area.

A top police officer said the various arrests recorded were sequel to the IGP’s directives.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who confirmed the arrests said the exercise was part of renewed efforts by the force to bring down crime to the barest minimum and also ensure the safety of Nigerians in all part of the country.

He some months ago, part of the Abuja-Kaduna highway was taken over by armed bandits, who kidnapped for ransom and robbed innocent Nigerians.

He said some of the exhibits recovered from the bandits are; eight AK47 rifles, 7.56mm AK47 ammunition, 16 live cartridges, one GPMG ammunition with magazine, two pairs of military uniforms and charms.