Police nab mastermind of Abuja-Kaduna train attack

The suspected mastermind of the March 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train, which resulted in several passenger deaths and numerous kidnappings, has been apprehended, according to a Nigerian Police announcement on Thursday. 

The mastermind turned out to be Ibrahim Abdullahi, dubbed Mandi for his sinister nickname. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, revealed this information in Kaduna on Thursday. 

Additionally, she revealed that the suspect was involved in the 2021 kidnapping of students from Greenfield University. 48 AK-47 rifles were found during Mandi's detention, Adejobi continued, and investigations were being conducted to determine who sponsored and supplied the weapons to Mandi.

He said, “On 12th January 2024, police operatives attached to an anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department, based on credible information swooped in and arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi aka MANDE at Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction.

“The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorizing the Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.

“He had participated in various kidnapping incidents including the kidnapping incident at Green Field University and he partook in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.”

A police spokesman revealed that, between January and now, there have been no fewer than 81 armed robbers, 40 kidnappers, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 suspects connected to cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects involved in other criminal activities, with a special emphasis on the Abuja-Kaduna bridge. 

He said that the force's strategic initiative along the Abuja-Kaduna route was the cause of the success stories that have been reported up to this point.

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