The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspected kidnappers and rescued several victims in Kaduna State following what authorities described as a major security breakthrough.

According to police spokesperson Anthony Placid, the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad during an operation on April 3, 2026.

The suspects, Yusuf Shuaibu, Abubakar Bature, Yau Murtala, Bello Suleiman, Abdul Kareem Nuhu, and Ahmed Musa, are believed to be part of a well-organised kidnapping syndicate operating across Kaduna and nearby areas.

Investigations revealed that the group had links to criminal camps located in Rijana Forest, a region often associated with bandit activities.

Police said the operation not only led to multiple arrests but also helped rescue victims and uncover the syndicate’s involvement in several high-profile abduction cases.

Among the cases linked to the suspects is the kidnapping of a senior police officer and his son in October 2025. Despite collecting a ransom of ₦24 million, the victims were not immediately released until police intervened, successfully rescuing the officer’s son, while efforts continue to locate the officer.

The suspects were also tied to other abductions, including that of a young child and members of the same family, where ₦18 million was reportedly paid before the victims were later rescued through security operations.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, recover weapons, and dismantle the wider criminal network.