Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers with Weapons in Niger

The Niger State Police have arrested two suspects, Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim, in connection with an attempted kidnapping. Equipped with various weapons, they targeted a woman in her home but were apprehended after police acted on a tip-off. The suspects confessed to planning an abduction for ransom, and the investigation is ongoing.

In a recent operation, the Niger State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of attempted kidnapping. The suspects, identified as 28-year-old Japhta James and 30-year-old Usman Ibrahim, are residents of Ijah-Gwari and Sabon-Gari areas, respectively. On June 13, at approximately 8 PM, the police received a tip-off about a kidnapping attempt in Kata via New-Bwari, prompting a rapid response from the Tafa Police Division.

The suspects allegedly broke into the home of their intended victim, targeting the victim’s sister. Their plan was thwarted when local law enforcement arrived on the scene shortly after they were alerted. The police acted quickly, leading to both men’s arrest before they could carry out the abduction.

Upon their arrest, authorities found a trove of items including a local firearm, two knives, a walkie-talkie, cartridges, mobile phones, an ATM card, electric tasers, pepper spray, and various charms. Such an arsenal raised alarm about the level of planning involved in their criminal endeavor.

During questioning, both suspects admitted to their intentions, explaining that their aim was to kidnap the woman to demand a ransom. They further claimed that the equipment seized had been purchased from a member of their group disguised as a civilian member of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police, confirmed the arrests in a statement released late Monday night. He emphasized that both suspects are currently under investigation and will soon face prosecution. “They are under investigation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry and legal proceedings,” Abiodun stated, highlighting the police’s commitment to tackling crime in the region.

The Tafa Police Division’s swift response led to the critical arrest of two suspected kidnappers in Niger State. With a range of weapons seized, authorities are investigating further, ensuring these individuals are held accountable for their actions. The police have expressed their commitment to enhancing community safety and will continue to address criminal activities with vigilance.

Original Source: punchng.com