Two suspected kidnappers caught with weapons in Niger

Police in Niger State have arrested two men allegedly involved in a failed kidnapping attempt in the Kata community near New-Bwari.

The suspects, Japhta James, 28, from Ijah-Gwari in Tafa, and Usman Ibrahim, 30, from Sabon-Gari in Bwari, Abuja, were apprehended by operatives from the Tafa Police Division after authorities received a distress alert.

According to police reports, the two men reportedly broke into a residence intending to abduct a woman.

Officers responded quickly to the tip-off and arrived at the scene in time to stop the attack and take the suspects into custody.

A number of items were found in their possession, including a homemade pistol, knives, a walkie-talkie, live ammunition, mobile phones, an ATM card, electric tasers, pepper spray, and various charms.

During preliminary questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted they had planned to kidnap the woman in order to demand a ransom.

They also claimed the weapons and equipment used were obtained from an individual pretending to be a member of the civilian Joint Task Force.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement issued Monday evening.

He said the suspects are currently being investigated and will be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution.