THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained Ibrahim Abdullahi, popularly known as Mande, the alleged mastermind of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
The crime occurred in March 2022, but during a news conference in Kaduna today, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that the culprit was apprehended along the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover near Rido Junction.
According to him, Mande admitted to being the leader of a kidnapping syndicate that terrorized the Kaduna-Abuja route.
He stated that the suspect had been involved in several kidnappings, including one at Green Field University, as well as practically all of the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna route.
According to the Force PRO, police operatives also apprehended another renowned kidnap gang boss who masterminded the September 2023 attack on the Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan Kamantan, which resulted in the death of a seminarian and the destruction of the church.
“Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the authorities. Despite the valiant efforts of operatives, one seminarian Stephen Naaman tragically lost his life in the inferno, and property worth millions of Naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire.
“However, due to diligence and tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on the 22nd of March, 2024 one Yakubu Saidu, the mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime”.
Police officers also apprehended a suspect, Shedrack John, for allegedly assisting kidnappers by providing medical care to injured bandits in the forest, as well as other suspects Auwal Hassan and Auwal Ahmed Auwal Adamu.
The Force spokesman stressed that IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s police leadership was unwavering in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and combating criminal activity throughout the country.
“These recent achievements along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway underscore the zeal of the Force in fulfilling our mandate of protecting lives and property. This special intervention and operation would be replicated in other major expressways and cities across the country through the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) by the IGP,” he said.
“We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ innovative strategies, and harness the full force of the law to root out criminal elements and create a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.
“As we forge ahead, the Nigeria Police Force extends its gratitude to members of the public for their continued support and cooperation. Together, we will build safer communities, foster trust between the police and citizens, and strive towards a Nigeria where all individuals can live without fear of crime or violence.”