Chadian murder fugitive arrested in Kano, repatriated to face trial

A Chadian national accused of murdering Nazik Mahamat Saleh has been arrested in Kano State and repatriated to Chad to face trial, according to the Nigeria Police Force. The suspect, Mahadijiria Abdoulaye, was apprehended on August 5, 2026, in Railway Quarters, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano State, by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja. He was later returned to Chad via Lomé, Togo, on August 14, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation agreements. Abdoulaye was wanted by Chad’s authorities for the alleged murder of Saleh, who died on May 3, 2026, after being subjected to torture. According to the police statement, the suspect was also implicated in narcotics trafficking activities within Chad and fled the country following the incident. An international arrest warrant was issued by the Court of Appeal in N’Djamena on June 22, 2026, targeting Abdoulaye and his accomplice, Fatime Senoussi Mouktar, in relation to the murder case. The operation was conducted through coordinated intelligence efforts between Nigerian and Chadian law enforcement agencies, with support from INTERPOL. The Nigeria Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed that the arrest and repatriation were part of ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals wanted for serious crimes do not evade justice by seeking refuge in Nigeria. The suspect was handed over to Chad’s judicial system to face charges related to the murder and possible involvement in drug-related offenses. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the effectiveness of the operation, highlighting the professionalism and coordination displayed by the INTERPOL NCB Abuja team and their Chadian counterparts. Disu emphasized the Nigeria Police Force's dedication to utilizing international policing mechanisms to track down fugitives and dismantle cross-border criminal networks. This includes preventing individuals wanted for severe crimes from using Nigeria as a safe haven. The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crime. The successful repatriation of Abdoulaye demonstrates how collaborative efforts between nations can lead to the prosecution of criminals who attempt to escape legal consequences by moving across borders. Such operations require meticulous planning, intelligence sharing, and trust between different law enforcement bodies. The police force reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with international organizations such as INTERPOL to enhance its capacity to combat organized crime and ensure accountability for those who commit serious offenses. This includes not only tracking down fugitives but also working to prevent future incidents by disrupting illegal activities before they occur. The case involving Mahadijiria Abdoulaye serves as a model for similar operations aimed at upholding the rule of law and maintaining public safety.