From Umar Alibe, in Damaturu
The Yobe State Police Command said it has recorded a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat kidnapping following the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim and the arrest of two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.
It noted that on 30th August 2026, the Fika Divisional Headquarters received a distress call from Janga-Siri Village, Fika area, that the residence of Alhaji Sule Barti ‘M’, of Koromchi Village, Fika area, had been invaded by about five unidentified armed persons, who abducted him to an unknown destination.
“Operatives of the Fika Division upon receipt of the report immediately mobilised to the scene and followed the trail believed to have been used by the perpetrators. However, the abductors could not be located,” the Police in Yobe said in a statement.
The case was subsequently transferred to the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Damaturu, where detectives commenced a comprehensive investigation and worked closely with the victim’s family after the abductors established contact and demanded a ransom of twenty million naira (₦20,000,000) for his release.
“As part of the investigation, VCRU operatives closely monitored the subsequent negotiations and simultaneously tracked the location of those involved in the ransom collection. Following the negotiations, the ransom amount was eventually reduced to eight million, eight hundred thousand naira (₦8,800,000).
“On 16th September 2026, the agreed ransom was delivered at a designated location in Potiskum. Operatives of the VCRU, in collaboration with personnel of the Fika Division, successfully apprehended two suspects identified as one Muhammad Alti Hassan ‘M’ 50 yrs and one Adamu Haruna ‘M’ 38 yrs, both of Darazo, Bauchi State shortly after they received the money.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects led the operatives to the location where the victim was being held captive. The victim, Alhaji Sule Janga, was subsequently rescued unhurt and was immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination and necessary attention. The ₦8,800,000 ransom money has been recovered as an exhibit.
“The Command is currently conducting further investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction, identify and apprehend other members of the suspected gang, and bring all those found culpable to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, sm.icm, commended the operatives of the VCRU and Fika Division for their professionalism, perseverance and effective coordination, which contributed to the successful rescue of the victim,” the police statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
The CP reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that the identity of informants will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
