Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have apprehended three notorious kidnap suspects allegedly behind a series of deadly abductions in Abuja and surrounding states.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the arrested suspects were identified as 27-year-old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State, 30-year-old Sale Usman from Niger State, and 28-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja.
The trio was captured in coordinated sting operations conducted between June 13 and 18, 2025, by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states.
The suspects, who had been on the police wanted list, reportedly confessed to their involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and murders.
These include the 2024 killing of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area, during which their father was fatally shot.
Authorities also linked the gang to the kidnapping of a woman whose family paid a N10 million ransom — with each member receiving N500,000 from the payout.
According to Adeh, the breakthrough was achieved through “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
During the operation, Abdullahi, who also served as the gang’s arms supplier, guided officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State.
However, upon their arrival on June 18, the police came under fire from other gang members, leading to a gunfight. Abdullahi attempted to escape but was shot and re-arrested, while the other assailants managed to flee and are currently being hunted.
Items recovered at the scene included a long knife and various charms believed to be used by the gang.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the courage and precision of the Scorpion Squad and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents.
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He urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
“This marks a significant victory in our fight against violent crime in the FCT. We remain resolute in our mission to rid our communities of criminal elements,” he stated.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
