Police nab deadly kidnapping syndicate in FCT, Nasarawa; recover weapons, livestock, others

ABUJA MAP

The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing operations against violent crime, with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for a series of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa border communities.

The Force Public Relations Officer, who disclosed this, said that in coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between 24 and 26 June 2026, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two suspected members of the syndicate during operations in Gbagalape (FCT), Mararaba (Nasarawa State) and Abuja.

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

The FPRO, in a statement, said preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on 16 May 2026 at Gbagalape community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries. He added that the operation also led to the killing of multiple victims after ransom demands were made.

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

The suspects have made statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks across the country. He commended the operatives of the FID-STS for their professionalism and resilience, and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and detection.

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