The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) between June 24 and 26, 2026, led to the arrest of two suspected members of the gang during coordinated intelligence-led raids in Gbagalape (FCT), Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, are believed to have played key roles in several kidnappings, armed attacks, and murders across communities within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.
According to the police, preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack on Gbagalape Community on May 16, 2026, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries. The victims were reportedly targeted for ransom, with some later murdered despite ransom demands.
Following the arrests, police operatives raided 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 believed to be proceeds of the syndicate’s criminal activities.
The suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Commending the successful operation, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling violent criminal gangs across the country.
The IGP praised the professionalism and resilience of the FID-STS operatives and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.
The latest operation underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly in border communities where criminal gangs have increasingly exploited difficult terrain to carry out attacks.
