Police bust Kidnap syndicate, recover AK-47, ammunition, livestock in FCT–Nasarawa operation

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and killings in communities along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okon Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday, saying operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two members of the gang through intelligence-driven operations and technological surveillance.

According to him, the coordinated operations were carried out between June 24 and 26, 2026, in Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and parts of Abuja.

The suspects were identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, both believed to have played active roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings and murders within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.

Iniedu said preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack on Gbagalape Community on May 16, 2026, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries.

He added that some victims were subsequently murdered after ransom demands had been made.

Following the arrests, police operatives raided the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills, recovering one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 14 cows and three sheep suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.

“The suspects have made statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang,” the police spokesman said.

He noted that the arrests and recoveries underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in tackling violent criminal networks operating across state boundaries.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against violent crimes across the country.

The IGP commended operatives of the FID-STS for their professionalism, courage and resilience, and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.

He assured Nigerians that the Force would remain relentless in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety nationwide.