The abductors of 31 persons at Tashar Nagulle village in Batsari Local Council of Katsina State a few days ago have demanded N60 million ransom for their release.
The State Police Command Spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, while confirming the incident noted that efforts were on to rescue the victims.
The 31 persons, mostly women and children, were abducted on the night of Sunday, January 21, 2024, after terrorists dressed in military attire invaded the community in their numbers.
Meanwhile, Katsina State government has warned informants conniving with terrorists to perpetuate heinous crimes to refrain from such activities, adding that the security operatives are out to apprehend them.
Reports revealed that the terrorists called with a phone belonging to one of the abducted persons and asked to speak with the village head before demanding the N60 million ransom.
It was also gathered that the terrorists also asked the community to send them a sack of processed grains as well as two jerry cans for fetching water.
However, source familiar with the development disclosed that the community members were pleading with the terrorists to reduce the amount, as they were mostly poor peasant farmers.
The source said the community members had pleaded with the terrorists to accept N1 million for the entire kidnapped persons, including the sack of processed grains and the jerry cans.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, who had earlier confirmed the incident, said efforts were on to rescue the victims.
Speaking further on the development, the state police spokesperson warned informants collaborating with terrorists against the impending consequences during the distribution of cash assistance to victims of terrorism in Jibia Local Council, Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Victims of Banditry and Internally Displaced Persons, Ibrahim Kogunan, said the state government was working closely with security operatives to end the security challenge in the state.
He called for cooperation from communities with information that would make the effort easier.
He warned youths against involving in acts of terrorism, calling on informants to desist from giving information to terrorists that aid them in carrying out their nefarious activities.
He promised that the state government would continue to assist families of victims of terrorism, including the treatment of victims injured during attacks in the state.
The police command noted that the killing of the kidnap kingpin on Friday during a briefing at the IRT headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.
A wanted notorious kidnapping kingpin terrorising Bwari and other boundary communities in the Federal Capital Territory has been killed with two others.
Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who paraded other kidnappers and suspects nabbed in the past two weeks, disclosed that the police deemed it fit to address newsmen with a profound sense of accomplishment to share the victories achieved in their relentless pursuit of ensuring public safety.
He said, “In reflecting upon our efforts, it becomes evident that the true measure of our success lies not merely in the number of arrests made, but in the countless crimes prevented through dedication and strategic initiatives.
“Furthermore, despite the meticulous measures being implemented by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, since assuming office, to thwart the occurrence of crimes, it is unfortunate that certain individuals persist in their criminal endeavours.
“However, I want to emphasise that the Force remains resolute in denying them any breathing space. Over the past six days since our last briefing, significant arrests have been made across the country, sending a clear message that we are never relenting in our commitment to making crime an unpalatable pursuit for those who seek to disrupt the peace of our streets.
“In reaction to the growing concerns regarding heinous activities of armed bandits and kidnappers across the country, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to tackling crimes of kidnapping and banditry, rescuing kidnap victims unhurt, reuniting them with their families, taking the war to the doorsteps of the criminals, flushing them out of their hideouts and restoring peace to our dear nation Nigeria.
“The additional tactical deployments of both human and material resources to troubled areas are rapidly heralding normalcy as Police joint operations with the military, local vigilantes and other security outfits in January have led to the rescue of quite several kidnap victims across the country, who have all been reunited with their families.
“Today’s presentation is not only about unveiling the faces behind the crimes but also a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and protect the well-being of Nigerians.
“Before you are three GPR Chargers, two AK-47 rifles, one Type-06, four Local Fabricates, one Berretta pistol, two Makarov pistols, four local fabricated pump actions, 504 pieces of AK-47 ammunitions and 100 pieces of AA ammunitions.
“In the early hours of today, at about 1.40.am, operatives of the DFI-IRT engaged some armed bandits within the axis in a fierce gun battle and neutralised three of them including their gang leader known as Mai Gemu AKA Godara. We can say without mincing words that the gang and its camp have been destroyed.
“The gangs and many others who venture into crime and kidnapping in Bwari, border communities linking to the Kaduna axis would never know peace, as our concentrated efforts are being intensified.”
Three gun-running syndicates were also arrested by the high command. The suspects are Ibrahim Hussaini, Abdullahi Ali and Salahu Ali.
The police also revealed the arrest of two gun fabricators in Jos, Plateau State. The suspects are Pam Chung from Jos South local council and Jacob Fwangne.
