Army recruits kidnapped in Zamfara, suspects in police net

Two suspects allegedly linked to the abduction of three newly passed-out military recruits along the Anka/Bukuyum Road in Zamfara State have been arrested by the Kebbi State Police Command.

The command said the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation on August 1, 2026, following credible intelligence.

The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the suspects as Abubakar Mallan Abubakar of Gargam Village, Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Usman Muhammadu of Ajera, Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects made useful disclosures regarding the abduction of the three military recruits, who were kidnapped in July 2026 along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu axis of Zamfara State.

Abubakar said one of the victims was identified as Kabiru Hassan from Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while the two others are from Zuru Local Government Area. He added that all three victims have since regained their freedom.

“The suspects were arrested on August 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m. in a targeted operation based on credible intelligence.

“During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects made useful disclosures regarding the abduction of the three military recruits,” the police spokesman said.

He disclosed that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, Umar Mohammed Hadejia, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reiterated the command’s resolve to bring all those connected with the crime to justice.

“The Kebbi State Police Command remains committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all persons connected with this case and other criminal activities.

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of residents,” the commissioner said.

The police urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state. (PUNCH)