A major breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against kidnapping after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force dismantled a notorious criminal syndicate accused of carrying out deadly attacks across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna states.
The operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and targeted surveillance, leading to the arrest of two suspected gang members believed to have played active roles in several kidnappings and violent attacks.
Authorities also recovered an AK-47 rifle, live ammunition and livestock suspected to have been obtained through criminal activities.
The FCT kidnapping syndicate has been linked to several disturbing incidents, including an attack on Gbagalape Community along the FCT-Nasarawa border, where several residents were reportedly abducted while others lost their lives. Police believe the latest arrests will help unravel more crimes connected to the gang.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniettie Okokon Edem Iniedu, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad carried out coordinated intelligence-led operations between June 24 and June 26, 2026.
Furthermore, the operation covered Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State and parts of Abuja, where two suspected members of the syndicate were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28.
Police investigations indicate that both suspects allegedly participated in multiple kidnappings, armed attacks and murders along the FCT-Nasarawa corridor.
Moreover, the syndicate has been linked to the May 16, 2026 attack on Gbagalape Community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State.
During that attack, several residents were reportedly abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries.
According to police findings, some victims were allegedly murdered even after ransom demands had been made.
Consequently, investigators intensified efforts to track members of the criminal network responsible for the attacks.
Following the arrests, security operatives raided the gang’s hideout located in the Gbagalape Hills.
During the operation, one AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.
In addition, officers recovered 14 cows and three sheep believed to be proceeds of criminal activities allegedly linked to the gang.
Meanwhile, investigators said the suspects had provided useful information that is assisting ongoing investigations.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Furthermore, the operation highlights the growing reliance on intelligence-led policing in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks through sustained security operations.
He also commended operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad for their professionalism, courage and resilience during the operation.
Meanwhile, fresh details have emerged following the recent dismantling of the FCT kidnapping syndicate, as investigators uncovered disturbing evidence that sheds more light on the gang’s operations.
According to investigators, officers who visited the gang’s camp inside a remote cave made discoveries during the operation.
Speaking on the discoveries, ACP Victor Godfrey, Commander of the Inspector-General of Police Special Tactical Squad, explained that one of the gang members shot himself to avoid being cut.
He said the incident caused confusion among the criminals and eventually led to the killing of other victims.
“While they were in their camp in the cave which we equally visited, we found out one of the suspect sustained injury on one of his leg. Prior to the time he sustained injury, he shot himself with an AK47 and they thought he was dead and with the vexation the rest of the terrorists killed their other victims and threw their body into a nearby stream,” he said.
Furthermore, police believe the revelation may explain why several kidnapped victims never returned home despite ransom negotiations.
Investigators said efforts are continuing to recover more evidence and identify other suspects connected to the killings.
Furthermore, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Iniedu A. Okokon, explained the strange markings and objects found on the recovered AK-47 rifle.
According to him, terrorist groups and kidnapping gangs often attach special signs, species or money to their rifles as symbols of ownership.
He explained that the objects also serve as trademarks among criminal groups.
Moreover, some kidnappers reportedly believe the attached items bring financial success during their criminal activities.
Police said the recovered rifle displayed some of these features, providing investigators with further insight into the gang’s methods and beliefs.
Reacting to the progress made so far, one of the deceased victim’s sisters, Nkiruka Hilary, commended the efforts of the investigation team.
“The commander and the entire Nigerian Police Force have really done well In this and I really appreciate them may God bless them all.”
An emotional testimony later came from the mother of one of the deceased victims,
“I asked my husband how are the children doing then he assured me saying they are well that they are at someones place after two days I came back I have 5 children and I have just one son”.
Meanwhile, security agencies have assured Nigerians that operations against violent criminal groups will continue.
