The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of abductions and killings along communities bordering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, live ammunition and livestock suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The breakthrough was recorded during coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out between June 24 and 26, 2026, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS).
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the operations led to the arrest of two suspected members of the criminal gang during raids in Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State and Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, are believed to have played key roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings and murders across the FCT-Nasarawa axis.
Police said preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack on Gbagalape Community on May 16, 2026. During the incident, several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot wounds. The statement added that some victims were later murdered despite ransom demands being made.
Following the arrests, operatives stormed 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 believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.
The suspects are assisting investigators with useful information, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
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 nationwide.
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 to enhance crime prevention and facilitate the arrest of criminal elements.
