Police arrest kidnappers, armed robbers across Bauchi, Jigawa
The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, thieves, and cattle rustlers in a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out across Jigawa State and parts of Bauchi State between May 22 and May 29, 2026.
The operations also led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle, motorcycles, and rustled livestock as police intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in rural communities and along major transit routes.
According to the Command, the breakthrough began on May 22 when detectives from the State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects — Musa (alias Kala), Manu Abdullahi, and Yusuf Ibrahim — in their respective hometowns over alleged armed robbery activities within the Hadejia Emirate.
A search at the residence of Yusuf Ibrahim led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle, which has been retained as an exhibit, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
On May 23, operatives uncovered a suspected kidnapping plot involving Adamu Gari of Kafin Hausa LGA and Abdullahi Adamu of Bauchi State, who were allegedly planning to abduct two persons in Jama’are.
On the same day, police in Gwaram LGA arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of two sheep, with the animals and a Bajaj motorcycle allegedly used in the operation recovered during the arrest. In a separate operation in Taura LGA, two other suspects were arrested for allegedly rustling four sheep, which were also recovered.
The Command further disclosed that on May 26, a suspected armed robbery syndicate was disrupted along the Ringim–Chaichai Road after intelligence revealed the group had mounted an illegal roadblock to attack motorists. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while two others were later apprehended in follow-up operations.
Similarly, on May 27, police working with local vigilantes recovered a stolen Boxer motorcycle linked to an armed robbery case, while another abandoned Boxer motorcycle was recovered on May 29 in Dutse LGA after suspects fled on sighting security operatives.
Police spokesperson SP Shi’isu confirmed the operations in a statement on Monday, noting that the Command recorded significant successes in its sustained crackdown on criminal activities across Jigawa and neighbouring Bauchi State.
Commissioner of Police, Haruna Yahaya, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and swift response, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against violent crime and criminal networks in the state.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to effective policing.
The Command reiterated its resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure Jigawa State remains safe and secure for residents and travelers.