• As FCT police arrest 3 child traffickers, rescue 12 children
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Police Force headquarters has said that its operatives have destroyed a kidnappers’ stronghold at Mpape, Abuja and killed scores of the hoodlums, including their kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji.
Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in a statement, said that the kidnappers were killed by operatives of the Intelligence Bureau and Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), who acted on intelligence report.
“In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2:40a.m, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers, including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja.
“The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.
“The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.
“This significant achievement follows closely on the heels of the neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout. Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas, including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.
“The successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals. Additionally, items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations. Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected child traffickers and rescued 12 children from them.
FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, who disclosed this, said that the suspects were arrested by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74 (RRS 74), on Friday at about 12:55 a.m.
Adeh in a statement said that the operatives intercepted one Muhammad Isah ‘m’ of Kafanchan, Kaduna in a Toyota Hiace bus with Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying 12 children, four males and eight females under-aged to a destination later discovered to be in Ogun State.
She said that preliminary investigation revealed that the children whose ages are between five years and 16 years, all from Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State were being trafficked to Ogun State by one Pastor Simon Kado ‘m’ and Jesse Simon Kado ‘m’, who are now presently in police custody.
While investigation is still ongoing, there are efforts with the Nasarawa State Police Command on how to reunite the victims with their respective families.
The FTC Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, has assured the safety of residents, saying that remains his utmost priority.
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