Bauchi: 53-year-old man arrested over alleged multiple kidnapping, others

A 53-year-old man, Gambo Hassan, alias “Anahaka”, of Igbo Quarters, Bauchi, has been arrested for alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings.

The arrest was made possible through intelligence-led policing and resilience in covert operations by detectives of the Bauchi State Police Command, in connection with a series of alleged kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and unlawful possession of offensive weapons within Bauchi metropolis.

He was arrested on 11 September 2026 at about 2045 hrs by operatives of ‘B’ Division GRA, Bauchi, on routine patrol, according to the Command PPRO, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on Sunday.

He stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect disguised himself as a commercial motorcycle “Okada” rider during evening hours to target, kidnap, rob and at times rape unsuspecting passengers, particularly women.

At the time of arrest along Adamu Jumba Road, he was found in possession of a sharp knife and was riding a Bajaj motorcycle with Reg. No. BAU 150G, while wearing a black face mask and a face cap.

During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and further led detectives to identify fifteen women within Bauchi metropolis as victims of his criminal activities.

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The number of identified victims later rose to thirty-five women, all within Bauchi metropolis.

Consequently, a search warrant was executed at his residence, during which items suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered, including fifteen assorted phones (Samsung Galaxy Fold, Redmi, two iTel, two iPhones, four Infinix, two Techno, etc.), three power banks, six ladies’ wristwatches, six assorted native caps, five bundles of women’s wrappers, three women’s hijabs, and the sum of ₦425,43.5 in physical cash, as well as Kenyan and Turkish currency notes, and many other items.

In line with standard procedure, the suspect and all recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their vigilance and professionalism.

He further assured that the Command remains resolute in clamping down on criminal elements and urged members of the public, especially victims, to come forward with useful information to aid investigation.