The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has busted a six-man kidnapping syndicate operating within parts of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring areas, arresting one suspect and neutralising two others during a gun duel.
The operation, carried out on May 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located in the Karshi area bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.
According to the command, the suspects opened fire on operatives upon sighting the police team, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the operation, the gang leader, Baba Ibrahim, popularly known as “Tsoho,” and another suspect, Isah Shehu, were neutralised, while three other gang members escaped with suspected bullet wounds. One suspect was arrested at the scene.
Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, one pistol, and 17 rounds of live ammunition from the hideout.
Preliminary investigations identified other members of the syndicate as Khalid, Dan Geskiya, Mohammadu Mai Tsage, and Dogo.
The command disclosed that the gang had been linked to several kidnapping incidents in Gwagwalada, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Karshi areas of the FCT, with at least 12 victims abducted.
Investigators further alleged that the syndicate was involved in the sexual assault of a female victim and the killing of three kidnapped victims despite collecting ransom payments exceeding ₦60 million.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the arrested member of the gang would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended operatives of the Anti-Violence Crime Unit for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.
The command also appealed to hospitals and medical practitioners within and around the FCT to report individuals presenting gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information through the command’s emergency lines.
