Intelligence-led operation links two suspects to the July 2026 kidnapping of three military recruits in Zamfara, all of whom have now regained freedom

The Kebbi State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the abduction of three newly passed-out military recruits, with Kebbi State Commissioner of Police Umar Mohammed Hadejia confirming the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the crime during an intelligence-led operation.

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The Kebbi Police Arrest operation, carried out on August 1, 2026, followed credible intelligence that led operatives to two suspects believed to have played roles in the kidnapping of the recruits along the Kwanan Mayanchi to Gurusu axis of Zamfara State in July.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the suspects as Abubakar Mallan Abubakar, a resident of Gargam Village, Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Usman Muhammadu, from Ajera in Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to the police, preliminary investigations yielded important information after one of the suspects made what the command described as useful disclosures concerning the abduction.

Abubakar said one of the rescued recruits was identified as Kabiru Hassan, who hails from Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while the two other victims are from Zuru Local Government Area of the state.

He confirmed that all three recruits have since regained their freedom.

“The suspects were arrested on August 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m. in a targeted operation based on credible intelligence,” Abubakar said.

“During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects made useful disclosures regarding the abduction of the three military recruits.”

The police spokesman disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation aimed at uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and identifying other possible accomplices.

Commending the operatives, Commissioner of Police Umar Mohammed Hadejia described the arrests as an encouraging step in the command’s ongoing campaign against violent crime.

“The Kebbi State Police Command remains committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all persons connected with this case and other criminal activities,” Hadejia said.

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of residents.”

The command also appealed to members of the public to sustain cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of supporting investigations and crime prevention efforts.

The arrests come amid sustained security operations across Nigeria’s North West, where security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to combat kidnapping, armed banditry and other violent crimes.

Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by insecurity, with major highways frequently targeted by criminal groups despite ongoing military and police offensives.

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The latest arrests are expected to strengthen investigators’ efforts to dismantle the network behind the July abduction while reinforcing collaboration between security agencies operating across Kebbi and neighbouring Zamfara states.