The Nigerian police says it has busted a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Kaduna State which was responsible for kidnapping three Christian clerics in the state in March, 2015. The team murdered one of the clerics.
The six syndicate members that were arrested are Kashimu Shehu also known as Baliago, (the gang leader), Aliyu Mato also known as Yellow, Muhammadu Mamman, Hassan Bello, Bala Mohammed, and Ishiaku Kabiru.
The arrested kidnappers, who have been terrorizing Kaduna and Zaria area of Kaduna State will soon be arraigned in court.
According to a police press statement delivered to The Trent by email on Saturday, May 7, 2016, the gang was responsible for the abduction of Rev Yakubu Dzarma, Rev Emmanuel Dziggan and Rev Illiya Anthony on March 21, 2016, at Dutse village in Kaduna State while Dan’Azumi Mohammed was kidnapped alongside her sister, Hajara Mohammed on 14/4/2016 at Andun Jangwan village in the State, by the same gang.
Though they were all later freed, Rev Illiya Anthony died in the custody of his abductors, the police said in the statement signed by Ms. Olabisi Kolawole, the Nigerian police spokesperson.
The arrest of these kidnappers is indicative of the force commitment to the fight against all forms of crimes and criminality in the country.
The IGP while commending the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other police operatives involved in the arrest of the suspects for their dedication and professionalism, said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
The Inspector-General of Police also appealed to the citizens to support the Nigeria Police Force by providing useful information that could help in unmasking the criminal elements in the country.
