Kidnap suspect arrested after victim identifies him at Niger Cattle Market

A suspected member of a kidnapping gang was apprehended at the Izom Cattle Market in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State after one of his victims recognized him in broad daylight.

The suspect is believed to be part of a group that abducted two herders and a driver near the Daku community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on June 9, 2025. The victims were returning from Izom Market, where they had sold their cattle, when they were kidnapped a few kilometers from Daku.

Sources said the kidnappers released the victims after collecting a ransom of ₦15 million.

According to Ishaku Daniel, a member of a local vigilante group, the suspect was spotted at the Izom Cattle Market around 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, by one of the victims. The suspect, who was wearing a neatly pressed kaftan, was reportedly at the market to purchase some items when he was recognized.

“Our team quickly mobilized to the market and arrested him,” Daniel said. “A mob tried to lynch him, but we managed to keep the situation under control.”

Upon searching the suspect, vigilantes reportedly found packets of cigarettes, tramadol, cough syrups, and Indian hemp concealed inside a sack he was carrying. He was later handed over to security operatives from Lambata, Niger State.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect has confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang. Authorities are continuing their investigation in an effort to locate other members of the group.

Related posts