Police nab four for job racketeering, rescue 207 kidnap victims

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested four individuals involved in job racketeering and forgery and rescued 207 kidnap victims across multiple states.

This was contained in a press statement with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/287, which detailed the arrests and operations.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Investigation Unit said the four suspects are suspects Khuzaifa Tafida; Zakari Abdullahi; Abdullahi Baba, and Adeyemo Morufu.

The suspects are accused of a range of crimes like criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, and impersonation.

The police noted that the syndicate forged classified documents from various government agencies to deceive victims into paying money under the guise of securing jobs at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, and other federal government agencies.

The forged documents include official communications from the office of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the State House, Abuja, which were presented to the Inspector-General of Police as recommendations for recruitment into the 2022 Nigeria Police Special Recruitment exercise.

The statement read: “Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi. Further investigation would then result in the arrest of the other suspects involved.”

The suspects confessed to forging documents and stamps from multiple government offices, defrauding unsuspecting victims with promises of job enlistment. Police recovered incriminating items, including forged documents, stamps, and ₦1.7 million in cash.

In Katsina State, police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Headquarters intercepted armed bandits along the Magama-Jibia road during an attempted kidnapping of two commercial vehicle occupants. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the bandits to retreat and leading to the rescue of 14 victims.

Tragically, two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack but were saved by the timely intervention of police operatives.

Similarly, on November 24, 2024, police operatives in Kaduna State foiled another kidnapping attempt in Idasu Village, Kidandan LGA, rescuing 89 victims. A locally made AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Additional anti-kidnapping efforts in Lagos, Zamfara, and Delta States collectively saved 104 victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 207.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, commended the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism. “The exceptional display of gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty by the operatives of the Force is highly commendable. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the safety and security of our dear country,” he stated.

The police advised citizens to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with fraudulent individuals offering shortcuts to employment in government agencies. “With this new trend, members of the public are advised to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process,” the statement warned.

This proactive series of arrests and rescues highlights the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order nationwide.