Police parade Kaduna-Abuja train attack mastermind

The police paraded on Thursday Ibrahim Abdullahi (aka Mande), the alleged mastermind of the March 28, 2022, Kaduna-Abuja train attack, and Auwal Ayuba, his accomplice.

Others thought to be frightening locals, drivers and travellers on the Kaduna-Abuja Highway were also paraded.

Among other ammunition, 48 AK-47s were found with the suspects.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed the arrest of the suspects followed the Police’s tireless efforts.

Adejobi said that Abdullahi was apprehended in January of this year at the Abuja-Kaduna Road overpass by Rido Junction. Before the train attack, Abdullahi had taken part in the kidnapping of Greenfield University students in 2021.

He added that Abdullahi had admitted to being the head of the kidnapping gang operating along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

Adejobi 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 the 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.’’

The attackers killed eight people on the evening train and kidnapped sixty-two others. The Federal Government obtained the release of the remaining individuals after relatives of a few of them had paid a ransom.

Adejobi provided additional context for the state Police Command’s arrest of 278 additional criminals and rescue of 158 kidnap victims between January and now. He said that a major factor in the success of this operation was the strategic initiative Force Headquarters carried out along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

The initiative includes the use of a helicopter to escort trains travelling on the way, particularly in the evenings.

Adejobi revealed that the police planned to start night patrols of the Kaduna-Abuja highway and other national routes. He also revealed that eight devices for the helicopter pilots’ night vision had been purchased.

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.