Kidnap Suspect Nabbed After Victim Identifies Him at Niger Cattle Market
One of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of two herders and a driver near Daku community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been arrested at the Izom Cattle Market in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, the arrest took place around 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after one of the victims, who had been held for ransom earlier this month, spotted and identified the suspect in broad daylight.
The victims were abducted on June 9, 2025, a few kilometers from Daku community while returning from Izom Market, where they had gone to sell their livestock.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded and received a ransom of N15 million before the victims were eventually released.
A member of the local vigilante group, Ishaku Daniel, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect, dressed in a neat kaftan, had come to the Izom cattle market to make some purchases when one of the previously kidnapped victims recognized him. Acting on the tip-off, the vigilantes swiftly mobilized and moved in to apprehend the suspect.
“As soon as we got the signal from the victim, we surrounded the area and arrested the suspect before he could escape,” Daniel said.
However, the situation nearly turned violent as a mob of traders and onlookers, upon hearing the news of the arrest, attempted to lynch the suspect. Security personnel and vigilante members had to intervene quickly to prevent mob justice.
During a search of the suspect’s belongings, vigilantes reportedly discovered packets of cigarettes, tramadol, cough syrups, and Indian hemp concealed in a sack he was carrying further raising suspicions about his involvement in other criminal activities.
The suspect has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Security agencies have also intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the earlier abduction.
The arrest is being hailed as a breakthrough by local residents and vigilante groups who have stepped up surveillance in response to a recent surge in kidnappings along the Abuja-Niger axis.
