The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on violent crime, dismantling a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, disclosed in a statement that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) carried out coordinated intelligence-led operations between June 24 and 26, 2026, leading to the arrest of two suspected members of the criminal network.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, were apprehended during operations in Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Abuja. According to the Police, the suspects are believed to have played active roles in several kidnappings, violent attacks, and murders across communities within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.
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. The Police said multiple victims were later murdered after ransom demands had been made.
Following the arrests, operatives raided the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 14 cows, and three sheep suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The Police said the arrested suspects have provided useful information to investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks nationwide.
The IGP 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 to enhance crime prevention and facilitate the arrest of criminal elements.
