The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has smashed a kidnap logistics network, rescued an abducted victim unharmed, and arrested several suspects linked to armed robbery and vehicle theft in a series of coordinated operations across the territory.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed the developments on Monday, describing the successes as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the continued cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
According to the Police Commissioner, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while investigating the abduction of a resident at Yellow House, Mpape, on July 8, tracked and arrested Umaru Danda, a native of Zamfara State, at Gadabiu Village in neighbouring Niger State on July 10.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied hard drugs, logistics and other essential materials to the kidnapping syndicate.
A search of three hideouts linked to the gang led to the recovery of twenty-five packs of 225mg tramadol, thirty packs of 100mg tramadol, two bottles containing 500 tablets each of Embazol, wraps of suspected cocaine, cannabis tablets and dried cannabis leaves, a digital weighing scale, two AirPods, two ATM cards, two bags, N250,000 cash, and one AK-47 rifle.
The suspect remains in police custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In another operation, the Police Command rescued a kidnap victim abducted from Karshi following a distress call received on July 12.
CP Sanusi said Anti-Kidnapping operatives combed suspected escape routes through the Waru Hills before successfully rescuing the victim unharmed at about 12:45 a.m. on July 16. The victim received medical attention and has since been reunited with family members.
Items recovered during the rescue operation include a painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage clothing and assorted charms.
The Command also arrested four suspected members of a robbery syndicate accused of targeting ride-hailing drivers by posing as passengers before dispossessing them of their vehicles.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar, were arrested on July 7 by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). Police recovered an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 with registration number YAB 240 DL and a grey Honda Civic with registration number ABC 72 JP. Investigations are ongoing.
In a separate operation on July 14, VCRU officers intercepted a heavily tinted dark-blue Volkswagen Golf with registration number RSH 621 BR along the Life Camp-Gwarimpa route after its occupants attempted to evade arrest.
Following a hot pursuit, officers arrested Orji Chibueze, 35, Chibuike Odo, 33, and Chibuikem Stanley, 36. Recovered exhibits include a wig, screwdriver, scissors, a knife, a rope, three mobile phones, a cap and a quantity of cannabis popularly known as “colos.”
The suspects remain in custody pending prosecution.
Meanwhile, officers attached to the Nyanya Division foiled an armed robbery attack at Area A in the early hours of July 19 after responding to an emergency distress call at about 4:50 a.m.
Police said five armed suspects had broken into the premises of a shop owner, identified as Mr. Linus, through the perimeter fence before attacking him.
The operatives engaged the suspects in a gun battle, during which two of the attackers sustained injuries while escaping. The victim was rescued and taken to hospital for treatment.
Subsequent searches at a residence in Area A, Block 8, led to the recovery of bloodstained clothing, a toy gun, two machetes, a digging tool, a military belt, identity documents, a counterfeit N1,000 note and assorted charms.
Police arrested Abdulraman Ismail, 20, before apprehending Jamilu Yahaya, 25, who subsequently led investigators to Junaidu Usman, 30, identified as a chemist alleged to have treated one of the fleeing injured suspects.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect still at large.
CP Sanusi further disclosed that separate police operations led to the recovery of five stolen vehicles within the FCT. Some of the vehicles have already been returned to their rightful owners, while others remain in police custody pending identification and claims.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive and professional policing, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies by volunteering credible information through the Command’s emergency lines.
“If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” the Commissioner said.
He added that all suspects arrested in the various operations will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
