A major security operation across the Federal Capital Territory has uncovered a suspected kidnapping network, an alleged arms supply chain, and several criminal hideouts, leading to hundreds of arrests.
The development followed a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out across Abuja and nearby communities. Moreover, the operation resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, alleged arms suppliers, and hundreds of other suspects linked to different criminal activities.
The crackdown also led to the recovery of ransom money, firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs, vehicles, and other items believed to have been used in criminal operations.
Authorities said investigations are continuing as efforts are intensified to dismantle more criminal networks operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi provided updates on the command’s recent operations and reaffirmed its determination to improve security across the FCT.
One of the biggest breakthroughs involved the arrest of a suspected “One Chance” kidnapping syndicate believed to have targeted commuters along major roads within Abuja.
According to the police, the operation began after officers received a distress call on June 29 regarding the abduction of a young woman in Maitama.
Intelligence gathered during the investigation reportedly led operatives to Kwan-kwashe Village in neighbouring Niger State.
Police disclosed that the victim’s family had already paid N8.25 million from an initial N20 million ransom demand before she was released on July 3.
Furthermore, operatives tracked and arrested six suspects on July 5 in Suleja. Those arrested reportedly include the alleged gang leader and two of his children.
Recovered exhibits include part of the ransom money, two tinted vehicles, several mobile phones, a laptop, and jewellery suspected to belong to previous victims.
Investigators also alleged that the group had been operating since 2024 along the Kubwa Expressway and Maitama Federal Housing Road. The police believe at least five victims were targeted, with more than N12.8 million allegedly collected through extortion.
Meanwhile, another operation targeting kidnappers led to the arrest of four suspects during clearance exercises conducted in Kwali, Abaji, and Kuje.
Police said one of those arrested is suspected of supplying ammunition to armed groups operating across Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi states.
According to investigators, the suspect later led officers to ammunition hidden inside a vehicle parked at the Zuba Motor Park.
The recovered ammunition reportedly included several rounds of 7.62mm calibre cartridges.
Police further alleged that the suspect received N3 million for arranging the supply of 20,000 rounds of ammunition to wanted criminal groups.
In addition, officers recovered suspected cannabis, codeine syrup, Tramadol tablets, and other controlled substances during the operation.
Furthermore, the command carried out several raids on identified criminal hotspots across different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 560 suspects, while locally fabricated weapons and ammunition were also recovered.
Addressing journalists, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the territory.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue working to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
The police boss also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing investigations.
