The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of acting as informants for kidnappers who attacked a resident of Gwanar Dutse Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Idi Riga, 18, and Murtala Sani, 22, were taken into custody on August 2, 2026, following a swift investigation.
Armed Assault on Gwanar Dutse Village
According to the police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the incident occurred at around 5 a.m. on July 31, 2026, when a group of armed men broke into the home of a 46-year-old man in Gwanar Dutse Village, Gwana District. The victim was shot in his right thigh while attempting to flee and was subsequently rushed to the General Hospital, Kashere, where he is currently receiving treatment and recovering.
Habib confirmed the arrests in a statement issued to journalists on Monday, August 3, 2026, as reported by the Nigerian Tribune. The arrests were part of the Command's broader efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crime in the state.
Suspects Apprehended Within Hours
Personnel from the Gobirawo Outstation, acting on intelligence, tracked down and arrested the two suspects on August 2, 2026, at approximately 3:28 p.m. The suspects were named as Idi Riga, 18, from Gwanar Dutse Village, and Murtala Sani, 22, from Rifta Unguwan Jauro Musa, Gobirawo Ward.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both men allegedly confessed to feeding the attackers with information ahead of the assault, effectively serving as ground-level informants for the criminal group. Both suspects are now in police custody, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for a thorough investigation and potential prosecution.
Police Commissioner Urges Public Vigilance
Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu used the occasion to reassure Bauchi residents that the Command remains committed to eradicating criminal elements from the state. He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly share any credible information with the police, stressing that community cooperation is essential in preventing further attacks.
Related Incidents in Other States
In a related development, security forces in Edo State conducted a daring night raid in Agbede Forest, leading to the arrest of six suspected kidnappers. The operation was based on intelligence provided by a victim who identified the camp where he had been held captive. Authorities said the arrests sent a strong warning to criminal groups that Edo forests would no longer serve as safe havens.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, suspected kidnappers attacked a student residence in Ipara, Remi North LGA, around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, cancelled Thursday examinations following the abduction of eight of its students. Police confirmed the reports and deployed anti-kidnapping and tactical units to the scene.
