The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained offensive against violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border communities.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two suspected members of the criminal syndicate during coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between June 24 and 26, 2026, in Gbagalape in the FCT, Mararaba in Nasarawa State and Abuja.
The statement identified the suspects as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, adding that they are believed to have played active roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings and murders within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.
Preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on May 16, 2026, at Gbagalape Community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State, during which several residents were abducted while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries. The operation also resulted in the murder of multiple victims after ransom demands were made.
The statement further disclosed that following the arrests, operatives stormed the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle, twenty-two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, fourteen cows and three sheep suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
According to the Police, the suspects have provided useful statements aiding ongoing investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks across the country.
He commended the operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad for their professionalism and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention, detection and the arrest of criminal elements.
