The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a string of abductions and killings along the border communities between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, arresting two suspected members and recovering an AK-47 rifle, live ammunition, and livestock believed to be proceeds of crime.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the breakthrough followed coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) between June 24 and June 26 across Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, are believed to be members of a notorious criminal network responsible for several kidnappings, violent attacks and murders along the FCT–Nasarawa corridor.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on May 16, 2026, in 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.
Police said the gang also murdered some of its victims after demanding ransom from their families.
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 suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The statement added that the suspects have made useful confessional statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts have been intensified 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 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.
