Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have apprehended three notorious kidnap suspects connected to a series of deadly abductions in Abuja and surrounding states.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the FCT Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects — 27-year-old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State; 30-year-old Sale Usman from Niger State; and 28-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja — were captured in coordinated sting operations conducted between June 13 and 18, 2025, across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.
The trio, who had been on the Command’s wanted list, reportedly confessed to numerous kidnappings and killings, including the 2024 murder of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children from the same area, during which their father was fatally shot.
They were also implicated in the kidnapping of a woman whose release was secured after a N10 million ransom was paid, with each gang member allegedly receiving N500,000.
Adeh stated that the breakthrough followed “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and was spearheaded by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
According to the police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, identified as both a kidnapper and arms supplier for the gang, led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team came under fire from other gang members, resulting in a shootout.
“Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot and rearrested. Other gang members escaped and are currently being pursued,” the statement added.
Items recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the bravery of the Scorpion Squad and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT. We are determined to rid our communities of criminal elements,” he stated.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.