Police Bust FCT-Nasarawa Kidnap Syndicate, Recover Arms And Livestock

Police say they have broken up a kidnapping syndicate accused of operating around communities on the FCT-Nasarawa border, with arrests, arms recovery and livestock traced to alleged ransom proceeds.

The operation focused on Gbagalape in the FCT and Mararaba in Nasarawa State. Daily Post reported that police identified two suspects as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, after intelligence-led operations between June 24 and June 26, 2026.

The police account said operatives later stormed a hideout at Gbagalape Hills and recovered one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 14 cows and three sheep. Punch also reported that investigators linked the livestock to proceeds from kidnapping activity in the area.

The syndicate was accused of abductions and killings along border communities between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa. Police said the suspects had made statements that were helping investigators, while efforts were continuing to arrest other fleeing members of the group.

The case adds to pressure on security agencies around the Abuja-Nasarawa corridor, where several communities have reported abductions, armed raids and movement of criminal groups through hilly and forested areas.

Police described the raid as part of a wider push against kidnapping networks using border communities as cover. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post