The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers, Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim, after foiling a kidnapping attempt in New Bwari, Tafa Local Government Area.
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The suspects allegedly conspired to abduct a woman to demand ransom but were swiftly intercepted by law enforcement officers.
According to a statement released on Monday, June 16, 2025, by the Command's spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were caught in the act following a distress call from the community. Officers from Tafa Division responded promptly and apprehended the culprits at the scene.
“On 13th June, 2025 at about 8pm, based on a distress call received, Police operatives attached to Tafa Div arrested two suspects, namely; Japhta James, 28, and Usman Ibrahim, 30,” Abiodun said.
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The suspects attempted to kidnap the sister of a resident in the Kata area. Items recovered from them include:
A locally made pistol
Two knives
Two electric tasers
Walkie-talkie
Cartridges
Mobile phones
ATM card
Pepper spray
Local charms
During police interrogation, both suspects confessed to orchestrating the kidnap plan to extort money. They claimed that the weapons and devices were sourced from another member posing as part of the Civilian JTF.
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The police say both men are currently undergoing investigation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the rising rate of local kidnapping plots and the need for improved community-policing synergy across rural and peri-urban areas.
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