Police Arrest Ruthless Kidnap Syndicate, Arms Supplier Injured in Shootout

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three notorious members of a kidnap syndicate long wanted for a string of high-profile abductions and murders across the capital and neighbouring states.

The arrests were made in a series of coordinated operations by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, between June 13 and 18, 2025. Acting on what officials described as “credible digital reconstructive intelligence,” operatives tracked and apprehended the suspects in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa States.

The arrested suspects have been identified as: 27-year-old Ya’u Shittu from Kafanchan LGA, Kaduna State, 30-year-old Sale Usman from Niger State and 28-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Mpape, Abuja.

According to police sources, the suspects are part of a “ruthless” syndicate involved in multiple kidnappings and murders. They have reportedly confessed to the kidnapping of four men in the Katampe and Shishipe I communities, and the abduction and killing of a pastor in Mpape in 2024. They were also linked to the kidnapping of three children from Ruga Shishipe in which their father was fatally shot during a struggle.

The suspects further admitted to a recent abduction case involving a female victim, for whom a ransom of ₦10 million was paid. Each gang member allegedly received ₦500,000 from the ransom.

The police revealed that Ibrahim Abdullahi also served as the group’s arms supplier. On June 18, he led officers to the gang’s hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State. However, upon the police team’s arrival, other gang members opened fire. In the ensuing gun battle, Abdullahi attempted to escape but was shot and recaptured. He is currently receiving medical attention while in custody. The other armed suspects fled and are currently being pursued.

Items recovered from the hideout include a long knife and a collection of charms.