The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition.
The arrests were made following a raid on their hideouts in Sauka, Abuja, on October 1, 2024, as part of efforts to prevent planned attacks in the FCT.
Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on reliable information, tracked down and arrested the individuals, who have been involved in several kidnappings across the FCT.
Those arrested are Yau Sani, also known as Baba, an ex-convict, along with Nuhu (also called Giwa), Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan. These suspects had been blending in with the local community while carrying out their criminal activities.
The arrested individuals confessed to being responsible for a number of abductions within the FCT and its surrounding areas. In addition to the kidnappings, they admitted to killing seven victims during their operations.
Criminal activities of the apprehended suspects had affected areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, Dupe Village, Zuma Rock, Kuchiko Village, as well as several villages in Niger and Kaduna States.
During the investigation, the suspects led police officers to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, located in Suleja, Niger State. Here, the police uncovered a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, thirteen AK-47 magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspects also revealed plans to carry out attacks on government institutions and residential estates within the FCT. Thanks to the proactive efforts of the police, these plans have been thwarted.
“The Command wishes to reiterate its commitment to stamping out crime and criminality within the FCT. It urges members of the public to report any suspicious or unusual activities to the following police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. For complaints, please contact PCB at 09022222352 or CRU at 08107314192,” the statement concluded.