Nigerian Police says it has arrested 31 suspects in connection with kidnap and robbery on the Abuja – Kaduna Highway and other roads in Niger state, north central Nigeria.
The success followed reinforcement of Operation Absolute Sanity officers on the Highway, with more personnel of Special Tactical Squad and additional two (2) units of Special Police Forces.
A statement by the Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, says, the suspects were arrested in their hideouts and camps where some of their victims were rescued — firearms, ammunition, Army Camouflage Uniforms and operational Vehicles were recovered from them.
“In the operation that is still ongoing, four (4) different vicious and notorious Kidnap for ransom gangs, including those dealing in illegal possession of prohibited fire arms were dislodged and busted. Also arrested is a gang that is responsible for the killings of some security personnel on Kaduna – Abuja road and Abuja – Lokoja road recently.
“They equally confessed to have raped some of their victims. A total number of thirty one (31) suspected kidnappers / Armed Robbers were arrested in the operation. They confessed to the offence and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime.
The statement says, most of the suspects were identified by the victims for being responsible for their kidnap. 
“While the operation is being sustained, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the zones and commands to introduce new strategies in curbing kidnappings and other violent crimes on the highways and major roads in other states of the country.
“They are also to beef up security in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR) and ensure massive deployment of Armed Police Personnel, Patrol Teams and undercover operatives to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots to nip in the bud all forms of crimes and criminality nationwide and make sure that detection of crimes are prompt to serve as effective deterrent to who-will-be criminals. The ongoing raids on criminal hideouts will be sustained throughout the country,” it says.
The statement further says, investigation is being intensified to effect the arrest of other suspects at large, while all the arrested ones will be arraigned in court on completion of Investigation.
