Police Nab 3 Key Suspects in Abuja Kidnappings, Recover Arms, Charms
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected masterminds behind a series of high-profile kidnappings and killings in Abuja and surrounding states.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects — Ya’u Shittu (27) from Kaduna State, Sale Usman (30) from Niger State, and Ibrahim Abdullahi (28) from Abuja — were apprehended during coordinated sting operations conducted between June 13 and 18, 2025, in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa States. The operations were executed by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad, under the leadership of ACP Victor O. Godfrey, and were guided by “credible digital reconstructive intelligence.”
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The trio had been on the police wanted list for their alleged roles in several violent crimes, including the murder of a pastor in Mpape in 2024 and the abduction of children from the same area, during which their father was shot dead. The gang was also linked to the abduction of a woman whose release was secured after a N10 million ransom was paid, with each suspect reportedly receiving N500,000.
One of the suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also served as the gang’s arms supplier, led police operatives to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, on June 18. However, the team was ambushed by armed gang members, resulting in a gun battle. Abdullahi attempted to escape but was shot and re-arrested, while the other gang members fled and are currently being tracked by the authorities.
Items recovered from the hideout included a long knife and a variety of charms believed to be used for protection or intimidation.
Reacting to the breakthrough, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the Scorpion Squad for their bravery and reiterated the Command’s commitment to public safety and the fight against violent crime in the FCT. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
“This is a significant victory against criminality in the FCT,” CP Adewale stated. “We are resolute in our mission to rid our communities of violent criminal elements.”
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
By PRNigeria
