The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to a notorious kidnapping gang accused of carrying out a series of high-profile abductions and killings across Abuja and surrounding states.
The arrests followed coordinated raids across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa States, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
The suspects were identified as Ya’u Shittu from Kafanchan in Kaduna State, Sale Usman from Niger State, and Ibrahim Abdullahi from Mpape in Abuja.
Investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a deadly syndicate behind multiple abductions, including the murder of a pastor in Mpape in 2024 and the kidnapping of four residents in Katampe and Shishipe I communities.
They also confessed to abducting three children from Ruga Shishipe, during which their father was shot dead after attempting to resist them.
Further inquiries uncovered that the gang had recently kidnapped a woman and demanded a N10 million ransom, with each member reportedly receiving N500,000.
Police described Ibrahim Abdullahi as the group’s arms supplier. He led detectives to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, on 18 June.
Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on officers, resulting in a gun battle. Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot, injured, and subsequently re-arrested. Other members of the gang escaped and are currently being pursued.
Recovered items at the scene included a long knife and several charms, believed to be used for protection and intimidation during criminal activities.
The suspects are in police custody, while efforts to apprehend their fleeing accomplices are ongoing.
