The Nigeria Police Force said its operatives have arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi, aka Mandi, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, at a press briefing in Kaduna disclosed that 48 AK-47 rifles were recovered during his arrest while investigations are ongoing to identify his sponsor and supplier of the weapons.
Adejobi while parading criminal suspects at the Police Command in Kaduna State said police operatives arrested 280 suspected criminals and rescued 158 kidnapped victims from January to date.
Adejobi said the attackers of the train were nabbed owing to “a strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which has significantly contributed to our successes.”
According to him, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, a helicopter has been deployed to serve as an escort for trains using the route.
It will provide aerial support for the ground troops from the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies.
“It has been deployed along the corridor as a proactive measure to prevent attacks and act as a first responder in the event of any untoward incidents,”Adejobi disclosed.
He said this proactive measure has proven instrumental in enhancing security along the corridor, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of commuters and residents of the adjourning communities along the route.
He listed the arrest of 81 armed robbery suspects, 40 kidnap suspects, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 suspects involved in cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects engaged in other criminal activities.
“We have successfully recovered 16 firearms of various types, along with 226 ammunition of diverse calibers.
“Additionally, our operations have led to the retrieval of 28 stolen vehicles, over 200 harmful weapons, and 600 bags of fertilizers.
“A total of N3.3million, previously paid as ransom to kidnappers, has been successfully recovered, while our swift and coordinated efforts have resulted in the safe rescue of 158 kidnapped victims, all of whom have been reunited with their families unharmed”, said Adejobi.
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