RismadarVoice Reporters
May 19, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested two suspects over the alleged kidnapping of an elderly man, Alhaji Rabo Jelani, in Kaduna State, recovering an AK-47 rifle during the operation.
The suspects, identified as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were apprehended following investigations into a criminal syndicate linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms within Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently at large, to abduct the elderly man for ransom over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
Police investigations further showed that the gang procured and used multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations, with Ali Haruna allegedly supplying one of the weapons belonging to his father, while other firearms were sourced by members of the syndicate.
“One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation,” the statement said.
The police disclosed that the victim was kidnapped on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were coordinated by Yusuf Rabo.
According to the statement, the first abduction yielded a ransom payment of N2 million, while another operation generated N4.5 million.
The police also linked the syndicate to other violent crimes in the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, during which commuters were robbed of cash and valuables.
The Force said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and other exhibits connected to the crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups,” the statement added.
