The Nigerian Air Force detained Isah Abdul, a suspected kidnapping kingpin, in Kano State’s Takai Local Government Area.
Abdul, 35, was caught on Monday during a coordinated attack on his hideout in response to an intelligence report.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Abdul and his gang were responsible for the abduction of one Yakubu Tagaho, also known as Sarkin Noman Gaya, on April 6, 2023.
He noted that the victim paid some ransom.
The statement read,
“Troops of the Nigerian Air Force deployed at Durbunde in Takai Local Government Area of Kano State have apprehended a 35-year-old high-profile kidnapper known as Isah Abdul.
“The arrest was carried out on 19 February 2024 at about 6.30 pm in a well-coordinated operation following credible intelligence on the hideout of the notorious kidnapper and his boys who were responsible for several kidnapping incidences in the area.
“Preliminary investigation has since revealed that Isah Abdul and his gang were responsible for the abduction of one Yakubu Ibrahim Tagaho, popularly known as “Sarkin Noman Gaya,” on 6 April 2023, from his residence in Tagaho Village in Takai Local Government Area. The victim was, however, released a month later after a ransom of N30,000,000 was collected.
“In December 2023, the same criminal abducted 2 sisters and 3 others in the same village and released them after collecting a huge ransom. He is also responsible for several other kidnapping activities as he has strong ties to other known kidnapping gangs like the Danbul Fulaku gang that also operates in Takai LGA.”
Gabkwet, however, said the suspect was still under investigation and would be handed over to appropriate authorities.
“Abdul is currently in the custody of the Nigerian Air Force, still undergoing investigations, and will soon be handed over to appropriate authorities for further proceedings,” he said.