Two suspects arrested, locally made pistol recovered as CP Bello commends Ka’oje team
The Kebbi State Police Command has achieved another victory in its relentless campaign against kidnapping and violent crimes, following the arrest of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of a 14-year-old victim who was abducted in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The successful operation, which took place in Ka’oje Division, also led to the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol and live ammunition from one of the suspects. It was described by authorities as a testament to the Command’s renewed commitment to public safety and proactive policing.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident stemmed from a report received on November 1, 2025.
The report detailed the kidnapping of a teenager, Aliyu Alhaji Buda, who was abducted by gunmen at Sire Here village in Bagudo.
Investigations revealed that on October 18, 2025, at about 12:10 a.m., a gang of five armed men stormed the residence of a farmer, Alhaji Buda Sambo, whisking away his 14-year-old son, Aliyu, to an unknown destination.
The kidnappers then disappeared into the dark forest, leaving the community in panic.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ka’oje swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team embarked on a strategic manhunt that led them into Sada forest, a known hideout for criminal gangs.
Inside the forest, the police team encountered the kidnappers, resulting in a fierce gun duel. The superior firepower and tactical coordination of the security operatives forced the criminals to flee deep into the forest with possible gunshot injuries.
Undeterred, the security team intensified their search operations, combing the area for days.
Their persistence paid off when two suspects — identified as 25-year-old Aliyu Alhaji Shehu, popularly known as Altine, and Abubakar Umar, alias Bube — were apprehended in Orda village.
In the same operation, the kidnapped victim, young Aliyu Alhaji Buda, was successfully rescued unhurt. He was immediately taken for medical examination and later reunited with his relieved family, bringing joy and relief to the community.
During interrogation, the two arrested suspects confessed to the abduction and named four other accomplices — identified as Dogo, Magaji, Bande, and Janyo — all from Bagudo and Orda villages. The fleeing suspects are now being tracked by police investigators.
The suspects also admitted their involvement in another kidnapping incident that took place on October 28, 2025, where a 70-year-old man, Alhaji Alti, was abducted from Orda village. This revelation further exposed the group’s pattern of terror within the region.
A subsequent search conducted in the house of Altine led to the discovery of a locally fabricated revolver pistol and one live round of ammunition. Police said the recovery added crucial evidence to their ongoing investigation.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, applauded the DPO Ka’oje and his team for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response to distress reports.
He said the Command remains steadfast in its determination to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The Police Commissioner also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between security agencies and community vigilante groups, describing their synergy as “vital to the success of counter-kidnapping operations.”
He directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi for discreet investigation and to ensure that the fleeing members of the gang are apprehended and brought to justice.
While urging residents to remain calm, CP Sani called on the public to continue supporting the police with timely and accurate information that could aid crime prevention and prompt response to security threats. “Together,” he said, “we can make Kebbi safer for all.”
