The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two men allegedly connected to the kidnapping of three newly graduated military recruits who were abducted along the Anka/Bukuyum Road in Zamfara State.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out on August 1, 2026, following actionable information received by the police.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the suspects as Abubakar Mallan Abubakar, a resident of Gargam Village in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Usman Muhammadu from Ajera in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to the command, preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the July 2026 abduction of three military recruits along the Kwanan Mayanchi–Gurusu corridor in Zamfara State.
The police spokesman disclosed that one of the victims, Kabiru Hassan, hails from Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while the remaining two recruits are natives of Zuru Local Government Area. He noted that all three victims have since regained their freedom.
Providing details of the operation, Abubakar said: “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 added that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where detectives have commenced a comprehensive investigation aimed at uncovering other individuals connected to the crime.
Reacting to the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Mohammed Hadejia, praised the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s determination to ensure everyone linked to the kidnapping is brought 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 command also appealed to members of the public to sustain their support for security agencies by providing prompt and credible information that would aid ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.
(Ripples)