The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an elderly man and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle in Kaduna State.
The Force said the suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were arrested in connection with a criminal conspiracy involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms linked to a gang operating across Kaduna and adjoining communities.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said investigations revealed that the suspects conspired with a fleeing accomplice, Ali Haruna—who is also the grandson of the victim—to abduct Alhaji Rabo Jelani over alleged wealth and livestock.
According to the police, the operation exposed a deeply coordinated syndicate that allegedly involved family betrayal and the use of military-grade weapons.
Investigators further discovered that the gang procured and used multiple AK-47 rifles during their operations, with Ali Haruna allegedly supplying one of the weapons belonging to his father, while other arms were sourced by members of the group. One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation.
“The suspects were arrested following investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani. Findings revealed that Yusuf Rabo conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently at large, to abduct the elderly victim for ransom,” the statement read.
Police further disclosed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts, where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself.
“The first abduction reportedly yielded a ransom payment of ₦2,000,000, while a subsequent operation generated ₦4,500,000,” the Force spokesman stated.
Investigations also linked the syndicate to other violent crimes in the region, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, during which commuters were dispossessed of cash and valuables.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the series of crimes.
DCP Placid reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country, stressing that intelligence-led operations would be sustained to ensure the safety of citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups,” he said.
