Police operatives in Niger State have arrested two suspected kidnappers, identified as 28-year-old Japhta James and 30-year-old Usman Ibrahim, during a failed abduction attempt in Kata, near New-Bwari.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were apprehended on June 13, 2025, at around 8 p.m., after officers from the Tafa Division responded swiftly to a distress call.
The two men, residents of Ijah-Gwari in Tafa and Sabon-Gari in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly broke into the premises of a victim with the intent to kidnap his sister.
However, their plan was thwarted when police arrived at the scene and arrested them.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally made pistol, two knives, a walkie-talkie, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, an ATM card, two electric tasers, pepper spray, and various charms.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to planning the abduction with the aim of demanding a ransom.
They also claimed the weapons and equipment were acquired from an associate posing as a member of a civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution,” Abiodun stated.