By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into an armed robbery and kidnapping case linked to an incident that occurred along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command.
According to the statement, the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Township, Bauchi, on May 27, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m., according to the police.
The complainant, a professional driver who resides in the Zanda area along Gwagwa Dede Road, Church Street, Abuja, told investigators that he was attacked and abducted by suspected criminals while carrying out a transport assignment.
Police said the driver explained that on May 21, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., a man hired him to transport wedding guests from Kaduna State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for an agreed fee of ₦400,000.
During the journey, the passenger reportedly asked the driver to take a different route through Kuyello Village in Kaduna State. Upon arrival in the area, armed men riding three motorcycles allegedly intercepted the vehicle.
According to the police, the passenger was later identified as Idris Mohammed, also known as Yellow, a resident of Badaromo Village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Investigators said he allegedly instructed the driver to stop before the armed men attacked him.
The assailants reportedly beat the victim with rifle butts and held him captive for 24 hours.
Police said the driver eventually regained his freedom after paying a ransom of ₦3 million through a transfer to an OPay account.
The suspects were also accused of taking away the victim’s red Toyota Corolla with manual transmission, a Tecno Pop 10 mobile phone valued at ₦130,000, ₦15,000 in cash, and a wristwatch worth ₦10,000.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Township, coordinated an intelligence-led operation that lasted three days. The operation led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of the principal suspect.
The command stated that the suspect had confessed to involvement in the crime and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large and recover the remaining stolen property.
He also advised members of the public to be vigilant when engaging commercial transport services and to promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
