In a significant development, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced the arrest of Ibrahim Abdullahi, alias “Mande,” suspected to be the mastermind behind the horrific Abuja-Kaduna train attack of March 2022. The attack resulted in the death of several passengers and the abduction of many others.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed details of the operation at a press briefing in Kaduna. According to Adejobi, acting on credible intelligence, anti-kidnapping unit operatives of the Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department apprehended Abdullahi on January 12th, 2024, near the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction.
Mande reportedly confessed to leading a kidnapping syndicate that has plagued the Abuja-Kaduna highway. Authorities believe him to be a central figure alongside other notorious criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji. Mande allegedly participated in numerous kidnappings, including the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021 and several incidents along the Abuja-Kaduna route.
Adejobi highlighted the success of the force’s strategic initiative deployed along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. This initiative has led to the arrest of a significant number of criminals in 2024, including 81 armed robbers, 40 kidnappers, and 73 murder suspects. Additionally, police have recovered a substantial number of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and ransom money paid to kidnappers.
The spokesman reassured the public that the NPF, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, remains resolute in upholding the law, ensuring public safety, and combating criminal activities throughout Nigeria.
The attack took place on the March 2022 train attack, where bloodthirsty terrorists targeted the Abuja-Kaduna bound AK9 train. The attack involved planting explosives along the tracks, causing the train to derail and resulting in the deaths of at least nine passengers. Several passengers were also abducted during the attack.
