Police Uncover Elaborate Kidnapping Scheme in Adamawa
Security forces in Adamawa State have successfully dismantled a kidnapping ring that targeted a wealthy family member for a N2 million ransom. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects who had been planning the abduction for several weeks.
The breakthrough came after the intended victim, identified as Mr. Ibrahim from Song Local Government Area, reported receiving threatening phone calls on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The unknown caller demanded the substantial sum while issuing death threats if the payment wasn't made.
Technical Tracking Leads to Arrests
Through sophisticated technical surveillance methods, police investigators traced the SIM card used to make the threatening calls. This crucial evidence led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the four suspects involved in the elaborate kidnapping scheme.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Usman Gidado (23), Ahmadu Alhaji Halidu (24), Adamu Buba Balejo (21), and Hassan Alhaji Liman (21). All suspects are primarily engaged in farming and cattle rearing activities within the local community.
Confessions Reveal Envy-Driven Motive
During interrogation, the suspects provided detailed accounts of their criminal planning. Usman Gidado, identified as the mastermind behind the operation, confessed to targeting his own cousin due to envy over the victim's substantial wealth and numerous cattle.
"I asked my friend to call my cousin and demand the sum of N2 million from him because he has so many cattle and is rich," Gidado admitted. "We started planning in October on how to execute the plan. All I wanted was money; I envy him and his wealth."
Ahmadu Alhaji Halidu, who made the threatening phone calls, expressed remorse for his actions. "This is my first time engaging in such an act, and I feel ashamed. I apologize to the victim I threatened due to selfish interest," he stated during questioning.
The investigation revealed that the group had been meticulously planning the abduction since October, with Hassan Alhaji Liman admitting he became interested in the scheme when he heard about the N2 million ransom amount.
Police Vow Thorough Prosecution
The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje Yahaya, emphasized the Command's commitment to ensuring justice prevails in this case. "The Commissioner of Police has given full directives for proper and thorough investigations into this case, after which the suspects will be prosecuted in court," Yahaya confirmed.
Authorities have commended the officers involved in the successful operation while reaffirming their dedication to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting criminals across Adamawa State. The police have also urged members of the public to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, even as security forces demonstrate their capability to respond effectively to criminal threats through technical intelligence and rapid response mechanisms.
