The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers operating in four local government areas of the state.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, the Commandant of the agency, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, said three of the gang members were arrested on Friday, while others were nabbed later.
Dutsinma said the gang forwarded a letter to six wealthy families in Gidan Walo village in Tureta Local Government Area, demanding N12 million payment or risk the kidnap of the head of their families if they failed to remit the money.
He said the frightened families came up with N2 million and gave it to kidnappers’ contact person before the officials got the information.
NSCDC acted promptly in collaboration with local vigilantes and arrested the suspects through intelligent surveillance.
The commandant explained that all the suspects had confessed to the crime along with others perpetrated at various communities in Isa, Sabon-birni, Tureta and Raba local government areas and neighbouring towns in Zamfara.
He added that seven locally made guns, various other weapons and charms had been recovered from the gang, noting that investigation was ongoing. (NAN)