Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers with Weapons in Niger

Niger State Police have arrested two alleged kidnappers, Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim, during an attempted abduction in Kata. The suspects were caught with weapons and other items, and they confessed to planning the crime for ransom. They are currently under investigation and face prosecution soon.

In a significant development, the Niger State Police Command has arrested two individuals on suspicion of kidnapping. The suspects, identified as Japhta James, 28, and Usman Ibrahim, 30, were taken into custody following an attempted kidnapping incident in Kata. These men are residents of Ijah-Gwari, Tafa, and Sabon-Gari, Bwari areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to reports, the pair attempted to abduct the sister of their victim by breaking into her residence in Kata via New-Bwari. They were caught in the act when police operatives from the Tafa Police Division arrived on-site after receiving a tip-off. This swift action from law enforcement prevented the kidnapping, leading to their apprehension.

Police recovered various weapons and items during the arrest, including a locally-made pistol, two knives, a walkie-talkie, two cartridges, four mobile phones, an ATM card, two electric tasers, pepper spray, and some charms. The extent of their armament raises concerns about their intentions and planning.

During the subsequent interrogation, both suspects confessed to plotting the abduction aimed at demanding ransom. They alleged that the recovered items had been acquired from a member of their group who was disguising as part of a civilian Joint Task Force. This claim needs further verification, as it raises issues regarding their connections and resources.

Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed these developments in a statement released on Monday evening. He emphasized that the suspects are currently under investigation and will face legal prosecution soon. Abiodun detailed the timeline of events, noting that police operatives acted promptly following a distress call made on June 13, 2025, at about 8 PM.

The police will transfer these suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiries and eventual prosecution. Public safety remains a top priority, and the police encourage citizens to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to ensure the community’s well-being.

In summary, the swift actions of the Niger State Police Command led to the apprehension of two kidnapping suspects, Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim, who were caught in the act of attempting a serious crime. Equipped with various weapons and a plan for ransom, these arrests highlight ongoing challenges in public safety. Authorities continue their investigations as they prepare for prosecution, aiming to deter similar activities in the future.

Original Source: punchng.com