Police Arrest 11 Kidnap Suspects, Recover Seven AK-47 Rifles

Operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team and men of the Taraba State Police Command have arrested 11 kidnap suspects in Taraba.

The police said the suspects were arrested for their complicity in many kidnapping incidents in Taraba.

Their victims include a Nigerian Customs Service officer and a relative of the Emir of Jalingo.

The suspects allegedly killed a police Sergeant in Jalingo, the state capital.

The team recovered seven AK47 rifles, two Beretta pistols, 121 rounds of live ammunition of different calibre, four magazines, masks, illicit drugs and other incriminating items during raids of various hideouts of the suspects in the State.

“The modi operandi of the suspects include trailing individuals – business owners, government functionaries, motorists with flashy and exotic cars, etc – to their houses and thereafter planning and executing the kidnap of such persons.

“They also collect huge sums of money as ransom from relatives and friends of their victims before their release.

“While cache of weapons and other incriminating items were recovered from the hideouts, all the kidnap victims held hostage at the various hideouts were carefully and successfully rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.

“Meanwhile investigators are intensifying efforts at arresting other suspects currently at large.”