By
Gloria Josiah

The Niger State Police Command says it has arrested six alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be operating across Suleja and Kontagora, with links to criminal activities in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said the arrests followed a wide investigation into cases of abduction, criminal conspiracy, threats to kidnap, and abetment.

The suspects were named as Amira Yusuf, 23, from Kano; Abdullahi Garba, 40, from Sokoto; Ibrahim Mohammed, 37, from Kano; Maijida Abubakar, 26, also from Kano; Abdullahi Sani, 40, from Zamfara; and Bello Shehu, 22, from Sokoto.

How the Syndicate Operated
According to police, preliminary findings showed the gang allegedly used private vehicles to lure unsuspecting passengers with offers of transport. Victims were then reportedly drugged and taken to hidden locations in neighboring states.

The probe began after a report was filed with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State CID in Minna on May 14, 2026. The report concerned the abduction of a woman and her baby in Suleja on February 7 while she was heading to the market.

Two days later, her family said they received a call demanding ₦50 million ransom. They reportedly raised ₦9.5 million and paid it in installments into three different accounts. Despite this, the victim was not released and the kidnappers allegedly threatened to kill her.

She later escaped but left behind her phone and ATM card. Police said the gang allegedly used that banking information to target another woman abducted in Shagari, Sokoto State, while she was traveling to meet her husband in Kontagora, Niger State. A ransom of ₦10.5 million was demanded for her.

Arrests and Confessions
Tracking the accounts used for ransom payments led detectives to Amira Yusuf Aliyu, who was arrested in Kano on July 2.

During questioning, she told police she was deceived by Mustapha Yusuf, identified as the alleged ringleader who is still on the run. She claimed he invited her to Sokoto under the guise of meeting his family for marriage, but she was later abducted and her account details were used to demand ransom from her parents.

On July 26, Abdullahi Garba alias “Zidane” was arrested at the house where Amira was allegedly held. He admitted knowing about the case but said Mustapha tricked him into believing Amira was his fiancée, and used his phone to contact her parents without his knowledge.

Ibrahim Mohammed Kote and Maijida Abubakar Yusuf were arrested on August 7 and August 10. Police said Ibrahim is the alleged kingpin’s brother-in-law and had previously stood as surety for Mustapha during a past detention in Kano. Maijida, described as Mustapha’s wife, was allegedly linked to the group and her bank account was reportedly used to receive ransom money. She allegedly confessed to receiving proceeds and said the funds were used to buy a Honda Civic, renovate her room, and purchase household items.

Another key suspect, Abdullahi Sani alias “Samaila Atulu,” was arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State, on August 19. Police said charms were recovered from him. He allegedly confessed to defrauding people with fake spiritual services and later working with Mustapha to arrange kidnappings of some clients. He was also identified by one of the victims during an ID parade at the command headquarters as one of those involved in the Suleja abduction of the woman and her baby.

Bello Shehu, 22, of Gangam Village in Shagari LGA, Sokoto, was also picked up. Police allege he provided information about the second victim’s movement to Mustapha and knew the gang leader.

Ongoing Manhunt
The command said six suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to arrest Mustapha Yusuf and two other alleged members named Jafar and Fatima.

Police added that more evidence is being gathered and the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

The Niger State Police Command said it remains committed to dismantling kidnapping networks and urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies.