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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest two in Kebbi over abduction of military recruits

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Police in Kebbi State arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of three military recruits in Zamfara State.
  • The recruits were kidnapped in July 2026 along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu axis in Zamfara.
  • All three victims have since regained their freedom, and the suspects are undergoing further investigation.

The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of involvement in the abduction of three newly passed-out military recruits. The recruits were reportedly kidnapped in July 2026 along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu axis in Zamfara State, with the incident occurring near the Anka/Bukuyum Road.

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

— CSP Nafiu AbubakarDetails of the arrest operation.

The arrests were made on August 1, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the police. The suspects have been identified as Abubakar Mallan Abubakar from Gargam Village in Zamfara State and Usman Muhammadu from Ajera, Ilorin, Kwara State. Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the suspects provided crucial disclosures concerning the abduction.

During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects made useful disclosures regarding the abduction of the three military recruits.

— CSP Nafiu AbubakarInformation obtained from the suspects during initial interrogation.

According to CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, one of the abducted recruits was identified as Kabiru Hassan from Ribah in Kebbi State, while the other two hailed from the Zuru Local Government Area. Fortunately, all three victims have since been safely released and have regained their freedom.

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

— Umar Mohammed HadejiaCommissioner of Police, reiterating the command's resolve.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for comprehensive further investigation. Commissioner of Police for Kebbi State, Umar Mohammed Hadejia, commended the operatives for their successful operation and reaffirmed the command's commitment to bringing all individuals connected to the crime to justice. The police are urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.

We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of residents.

— Umar Mohammed HadejiaAssurance of continued security operations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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