The police have reported the capture of Ibrahim Abdullahi, known as Mande, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack on a train travelling between Kaduna and Abuja.
Authorities disclosed that Mande was apprehended by the anti-kidnapping unit of the Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department on January 12, 2024.
Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed Mande’s admission to being a prominent figure in a kidnapping syndicate causing terror along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway. He was showcased alongside over 30 others arrested for various criminal offenses in the state.
Adejobi said, “The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorizing the Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
“He had participated in various kidnapping incidents, including the abduction at Green Field University, and he was involved in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. He was also involved in the popular Kaduna-Abuja train attack but had run away. We promised Nigerians that he would be arrested.”
The police spokesperson underscored the successful measures implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, contributing to positive outcomes.
In accordance with the Inspector General of Police’s directives, a helicopter has been deployed to accompany trains on the route, providing aerial assistance to ground forces from multiple security agencies. This proactive approach aims to prevent attacks and swiftly respond to any incidents.
Furthermore, concerted efforts to combat criminal activities have been successful. Law enforcement operations have resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, cult-related crimes, and other unlawful acts.
Additionally, these operations have led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, weapons, and illicit goods. A significant sum of ransom money paid to kidnappers has been recovered, and numerous kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued and reunited with their families.