Eight passengers of the evening train were killed by the attackers, who abducted 62 others. After family members of some of them paid ransom, the Federal Government secured the release of the others
Ibrahim Abdullahi (aka Mande), the suspected mastermind of the March 28, 2022 Kaduna-Abuja train attack, and his accomplice, Auwal Ayuba, were yesterday paraded by the Police.
Also paraded were others believed to be terrorising motorists and passengers plying the Kaduna-Abuja Highway and residents within the axis.
Several ammunitions, including 48 AK-47s, were recovered by the police from the criminals.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who conducted the parade at the Kaduna State Police command headquarters yesterday, explained that the successes followed painstaking efforts by the Police.
Adejoji said that Abdullahi, who before the train attack participated in the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021, was nabbed at the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction in January this year.
Abdullahi, according to him, confessed to being the leader of the Kaduna-Abuja Highway kidnap syndicate.
He said: “On 12th January 2024, police operatives attached to an anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), based on credible information swooped in and arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi (aka Mande ) at Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction. The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorising Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
“He had participated in various kidnapping incidents, including the kidnapping incident at Greenfield University. He also partook in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
‘’On 27th April 2024, some vigilante members arrested and brought to the station, one Auwal Ayuba, aged 27, a resident of Kubacha Town suspected of being a kidnapper. After a thorough investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang and has participated in several kidnappings in Kubacha, Jere, and Katari axis where many victims were kidnapped.’’
A mild drama, however, occurred when Mande denied participating in the train attack and Ayuba admitted being involved.
Ayuba added that after the attack, he was ‘sold’ to a terror group, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
Mande insisted that he was not the leader of the gang that derailed the train much less being its leader. He also denied ever knowing Ayuba.
Eight passengers of the evening train were killed by the attackers, who abducted 62 others. After family members of some of them paid ransom, the Federal Government secured the release of the others.
Giving further insight into the arrest of 278 other criminals and rescue of 158 kidnap victims by the state Police Command between January till date, Adejobi explained that the strategic initiative implemented by the Force Headquarters along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway significantly contributed ‘’to our successes.”
A part of the initiative is the deployment of a helicopter to serve as an escort for trains plying the highway, especially in the evenings.
Revealing that eight gadgets for night vision for the pilots of the chopper have been purchased, Adejobi added that the Police were set to commence night patrol of the Kaduna – Abuja and other highways across the country.
His words: Adejobi said, ” I am pleased to highlight the significant achievements in our crime-fighting endeavors, with a particular focus on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway corridor, and communities in Kaduna State, spanning from January to date.
“Notably, I would like to draw attention to a strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which has significantly contributed to our successes.
‘’The chopper is providing aerial support for ground troops from the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies.
“It has been deployed along the corridor as a proactive measure to prevent attacks and act as a first responder in the event of any untoward incidents.
‘’The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of I-G Kayode Egbetokun remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and combat criminal activities across the country.
