Police Say FCT-Nasarawa Kidnap Syndicate Has Been Dismantled

Police authorities say a kidnapping network accused of attacks along the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa border has been dismantled after operations in Gbagalape, Mararaba and Abuja.

The Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad arrested two suspected members, Buhari Adamu and Abubakar Saidu, after investigators linked the group to a May 16 attack on Badalape community, where residents were abducted and some victims were killed.

Police accounts published by Punch and Vanguard said the operation followed intelligence gathering, surveillance and digital analysis. The police said operatives later found the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills and recovered one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 14 cows and three sheep suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The investigation also linked the syndicate to the abduction of a resident identified as Elijah, a pastor and a civil servant. Elijah and the pastor were later killed, while the civil servant survived after being shot, according to the police account.

Police said the coordinated operations took place between June 24 and June 26, and that the arrested suspects had made statements helping investigators track other fleeing members of the gang.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the tactical team and asked residents to keep giving timely information to help officers identify violent networks operating across state borders.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard