The Yobe State Police Command has successfully dismantled a kidnapping syndicate, arresting the prime suspect, 43-year-old Yusuf Ali, in Damaturu.
The suspect was apprehended at the 250 Housing Estate in the state capital following a report of a missing person.
According to the police, the arrest followed a distress report filed at about 2:15 pm on October 14, 2024, by Mallam Hassan, whose son, Abdullahi Hassan, had gone missing the previous day around 5:15 pm. Despite efforts to locate his son, Mallam Hassan could not find him until a ransom demand of N1.5 million was made via phone.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Yobe State Command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, revealed that detectives conducted a swift, intelligence-led operation. They traced the victim to a secured room in the Kara Area of Darazo, Bauchi State, where the prime suspect was holding Abdullahi hostage.
The Commissioner of Police for Yobe State, CP Garba Ahmed, commended the efforts of the police personnel for their swift actions, which led to the successful rescue of the victim and the apprehension of the suspect. He reassured the public of the Command’s dedication to tackling crime and maintaining law and order in the state.
CP Ahmed also urged parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children from criminal elements. He encouraged parents to educate their children on basic safety protocols, such as identifying trusted adults, reporting suspicious activities, and avoiding walking alone or through poorly lit areas.
He further advised parents to teach their children never to accept gifts or rides from strangers and to always communicate openly with them about safety concerns. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of staying vigilant to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future.
