Suspected Kidnapper Arrested During Attempt To Procure Arms And Ammunition

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended a suspected kidnapper while he was attempting to acquire prohibited arms and ammunition.

The arrest took place on 14th June, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., as a result of credible intelligence received by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Bande, also known as Kachalla, aged 54 years, hails from Saminaka village in Lapai Local Government Area. The police confiscated a substantial sum of one million, two hundred and seven thousand naira from him.

According to DSP W. A Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, the arrest occurred in the Lambata area of Gurara Local Government Area.

The suspect aroused suspicion due to his possession of a large sum of cash, which led to the investigation and subsequent arrest.

During interrogation, Mohammed Bande confessed that he had received the money from an individual named Gora, also from the same village, who is currently evading arrest.

Gora allegedly provided the funds with the intention of procuring AK-47 ammunition from an unidentified arms dealer in Lambata.

The suspect revealed that the purpose of this transaction was to strengthen their arsenal for carrying out further kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in Saminaka, Lapai, Lambata, and surrounding areas. He also stated that he had been promised a sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira for facilitating the arms purchase.

As the investigation continues at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna, efforts are underway to apprehend Gora, the fugitive accomplice, as well as other individuals involved in this criminal network.