Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers with Weapons in Niger

Niger State police arrested two men, Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim, for attempting to kidnap a woman. They were apprehended after a tip-off while armed with various weapons. Both suspects confessed they intended to request ransom. The police are continuing their investigation and plan to prosecute them soon.

In Niger State, police have apprehended two individuals suspected of attempted kidnapping. The detained men, Japhta James, 28, and Usman Ibrahim, 30, both from different localities—Ijah-Gwari and Sabon-Gari in the Federal Capital Territory—were caught in the act while trying to enter a victim’s home. They reportedly aimed to abduct the victim’s sister in the community of Kata, situated near New-Bwari.

Thanks to a tip-off, operatives from the Tafa Police Division arrived at the scene swiftly, leading to the suspects’ capture. When the police intervened, they found the alleged kidnappers equipped with a troubling arsenal, including a locally made pistol and a couple of knives. There were also a walkie-talkie, two cartridges, several mobile phones, an ATM card, electric tasers, a can of pepper spray, and various charms.

Upon interrogation, both suspects admitted to their intentions to kidnap the sister for ransom. They described their plan as premeditated and also mentioned they had procured their weapons from an accomplice posing as a member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). The police spokesperson for the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, provided details in a statement released late Monday.

Abiodun detailed that the incident unfolded on June 13, 2025, around 8 PM, when a distress call triggered a rapid response from law enforcement. The spokesman stated, “On that night, police operatives from Tafa Division acted on a distress call that led them to arrest Japhta James and Usman Ibrahim after they attempted to kidnap a victim’s sister in Kata.”

With the suspects now in custody, they face an ongoing investigation and are expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further questioning and eventual prosecution. Abiodun concluded with confirmation that the situation is being treated seriously and that justice will prevail in this case.

In summary, two men were arrested in Niger State while attempting to kidnap a woman, apparently with a plan for ransom. The police, acting promptly on a tip-off, found the suspects heavily armed and have charged them with the crime. Ongoing investigations will determine further actions as they are set to face prosecution soon.

Original Source: punchng.com