The Jigawa State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its efforts to combat crime and criminality in the state, PUNCH ONLINE reports.

This was made public by the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi while briefing journalists on Wednesday at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, the command has smashed a kidnapping ring, killing five members, arresting 5 out the the 12-member gang and 25 other suspects for alleged and varied crimes in the state.

“We have achieved a major breakthrough in bursting a gang of kidnappers around Garki and Sule Tankarkar axis that terrorize Kano and Jigawa States,” CP said.

He explained that the operation was carried out by police personnel from Gumel, Gagarawa, Gujungu, Sule Tankarkar, Garki, and Ringim Divisions, led by the Gumel Area Commander, alongside local vigilantes, hunters, and Yanbulala.

“The police received intelligence on May 16, 2025, at about 0200hrs, that a group of armed men had kidnapped an 80-year-old woman from Kano State and were attempting to pass through Jigawa. The police quickly mobilized and combed the area, engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel,” he revealed

The commissioner stated further that “during the encounter, five members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate lost their lives while five suspects were arrested, including the kingpin, Yahya, who sustained a leg injury.”

Abdullahi also disclosed, “The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, one multipurpose machine gun, 14 live ammunition, two motorcycles, and three mobile handsets suspected to belong to victims and/or suspects. The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family.”

In addition to the kidnapping ring, the police also arrested 14 suspects for criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and possession of hard drugs.

CP Ahmad Abdullahi made it public that the suspects were found in possession of Exol 5, Valium, Tramadol, and dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

“The police also rescued a seven-year-old boy who was tortured by his neighbor in Gwaram LGA. The suspect has been arrested and charged to court,” he added.

However, he revealed that “Four suspects were arrested for fraud and counterfeiting, with counterfeit US dollars and Nigerian currency recovered from them, and two other suspects were also arrested for forgery, with counterfeit notes and ATM cards recovered from them.”

Abdullahi therefore commended the officers and men of the Gumel and Ringim Area Commands for their bravery and diligence in the operation and appreciated the members of vigilantes, hunters, and Yan Bulala for their ongoing assistance and collaboration.

The Jigawa State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in the state. “The command is working tirelessly to build a safer and more secure environment for all,” said the CP.

He also urged the good people of Jigawa State to continue providing useful information and support to the police and other security agencies, saying that “together, we can build a safer and more secure environment for all.”

However, the Commissioner mentioned that the command has charged some of the suspects to court, while others are still under investigation.

Abdullahi expressed his gratitude to the Jigawa State Government, sister security agencies, traditional institutions, and the media for their ongoing support.