Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-49 rifle in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-49 rifle following a raid on an alleged criminal hideout in Ampang East, Kanke Local Government Area of the state.

The Command disclosed this in a statement signed by Alfred Alabo, its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Jos.

The statement said the arrest followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

“On 21st June, 2026, at about 1:00pm, the Command received credible information on a suspected location where kidnappers were allegedly operating. Consequently, Police operatives attached to Kanke Division immediately swung into action and arrested one Ruwa Usman, male, 45 years, along Langshi Village, Ampang East, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State,” the statement said.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect revealed that he hails from Gargadi Village, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. He further claimed that he was following his cows from Doka Village, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, back to Bogoro,” the statement added.

The police said a search conducted on the suspect’s motorcycle led to the recovery of one AK-49 rifle bearing Bridge No. 11/620″9002, an empty magazine, a cutlass and a knife suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

According to the Command, the suspect is currently in police custody while investigations have commenced to ascertain the source of the firearm and apprehend other possible members of the alleged criminal syndicate operating within and around the area.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to ridding Plateau State of criminal elements, assuring residents that under the leadership of Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police, it would continue to work with stakeholders and members of the public to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

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