The alleged mastermind behind the harrowing March 28, 2022, attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train has been apprehended.
Nigerian police, in a concerted effort to bring justice to the victims, paraded the prime suspect, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as Mande, along with 276 other suspected criminals.
The assault on the evening train in March 2022 resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives, with 62 passengers kidnapped. Following the attack, a ransom amounting to hundreds of millions was extorted before the Federal Government secured the release of the remaining hostages.
During a visit to the Kaduna Police Command, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the meticulous efforts undertaken to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act. He lamented the alarming trend of youths, particularly those in their twenties, engaging in criminal activities, attributing a staggering 80% of youth-related crimes to drug abuse.
A separate operation led to the arrest of one of Mande’s alleged accomplices in the train attack, Auwal Ayuba. Ayuba confessed to his involvement in the assault, stating that the abducted passengers were later sold to the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
However, Abdullahi vehemently denied any participation in the attack, asserting that he was not the leader of the gang responsible and disavowing any association with Ayuba.
Additionally, the Kaduna Police announced the capture of Yakubu Saidu, the mastermind behind the notorious kidnapping gang responsible for the attack on St. Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa.
This incident resulted in the tragic death of Stephen Naaman and the destruction of property worth millions, including vehicles and a motorcycle.
Furthermore, the police revealed their successful operations in January and February 2024, culminating in the arrest of several suspects involved in kidnapping activities. Notable among these operations was the apprehension of Adamu Abdulwahab, who was found in possession of firearms and implicated in the abduction of Samaila Abdullahi.
Efforts are currently underway to locate and rescue Abdullahi, intensifying the resolve of law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens.
