Two arrested over foiled kidnapping attempt in Niger

By Paul Dada

The Niger State Police Command  says its operatives have arrested two kidnap suspects, identified as  28-year-old Japhta James, and 30-year-old Usman Ibrahim.

The  Niger State Command, in a statement by its spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun,  said the suspects  broke into their victim’s home with weapons. He also said they had confessed to the crime.

He said, “On 13th June, 2025 at about 8 pm, based on a distress call received, police operatives attached to Tafa Div arrested two suspects, namely: Japhta James, 28 yrs of Ijah-Gwari, Tafa-Usman Ibrahim, 30 yrs of Sabon-Gari, Bwari area of FCT.

“The two suspects were reported to have entered the premises of a victim in Kata via New-Bwari and attempted to kidnap his sister. The Police operatives of Tafa Div were immediately contacted and rushed to the scene, which led to the arrest.

“They were arrested with a locally made pistol, two knives, a walkie-talkie, two cartridges, four handsets, one ATM card, two electric tasers, a pepper spray and some charms.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime that the two of them arranged to abduct the lady in order to request ransom, while they claimed that the items recovered were bought from one of their members under the disguise of civilian JTF.

“The two suspects are under investigation and they will soon be transferred to SCID for further investigation and prosecution.”