By our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and killings along communities bordering the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.
CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer,disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) carried out intelligence-led operations between June 24 and 26, 2026, leading to the arrest of two suspected members of the gang.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu (25) and Abubakar Saidu (28), were apprehended during coordinated operations in Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Abuja. Police said both men are believed to have played active roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings, and murders within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.
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. The police added that some victims were later murdered after ransom demands had been 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 suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The police said the suspects have made useful statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups across the country. He commended the FID-STS operatives for their professionalism and resilience and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and detection.
