The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, rescued three abducted victims and recovered a motorcycle and mobile phones during a joint security operation in the state.
The breakthrough followed a clearance operation conducted on September 8, 2026, around suspected criminal hideouts in Kowagel, Dukku Local Government Area, and parts of Bojude in Kwami LGA.
The operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups and hunters.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer in Dukku.
Police said the exercise resulted in the arrest of 30-year-old Manu Alhaji Sani, also known as “M”, from Wawa Village in Funakaye Local Government Area.
The command described him as a suspected notorious kidnapper.
During preliminary investigation, Sani allegedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping activities across Dukku, Kwami and Funakaye LGAs, working with members of a criminal syndicate who are currently at large.
Following his arrest, the joint team intensified searches around the suspected hideouts, forcing members of the gang to abandon three victims.
The rescued victims were identified as Hauwa Alhaji Sani, 44; Aishatu Alhaji Sani, 16; and two-year-old Umaru Alhaji Sani.
They were all said to be residents of Jonde Village in Dukku LGA.
Security operatives also recovered a Honda motorcycle with registration number BBB 29 UT and three keypad mobile phones during the operation.
The command said efforts had been intensified to track down the fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle the criminal network.
In a separate operation the same day, operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol, in collaboration with Operation Hattara, intercepted a blue Peugeot 406 along the Liji-Biu Road at about 9am.
The police said the operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested 37-year-old Mohammed Abdullahi, alias “Babangida”, of Bomala Quarter, Gombe.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 2,500 sachets of 100mg Tramadol capsules.
“The suspect and exhibits are in police custody, while investigation is ongoing,” the command said.
The two operations form part of the police command’s wider efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the state.
Commissioner of Police Umar Chuso commended the security personnel involved in the operations for their collaboration, vigilance, courage and swift response to credible intelligence.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and proactive operations across Gombe State.
Police said investigations into both cases were ongoing, with efforts continuing to apprehend other suspects linked to the alleged criminal activities.
