Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested three notorious kidnap suspects believed to be behind a series of high-profile abductions and killings in Abuja and surrounding states.
The suspects — 27-year-old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State, 30-year-old Sale Usman from Niger State, and 28-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja — were apprehended during coordinated sting operations conducted between June 13 and 18, 2025, across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa States.
The operations were carried out by the Command’s Scorpion Squad, following what authorities described as “credible digital reconstructive intelligence.”
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Thursday. She noted that the suspects had long been on the Command’s wanted list and had confessed to being involved in multiple kidnappings and killings, including the 2024 murder of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area.
“The suspects admitted to the abduction of a woman for whom a ransom of N10 million was paid. Each gang member reportedly received N500,000 as their share,” Adeh stated.
The breakthrough was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor O. Godfrey, who coordinated the intelligence-led raids.
One of the suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also served as the gang’s arms supplier, reportedly led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, on June 18. Upon arriving at the location, officers came under heavy gunfire from other gang members, prompting a shootout.
“Abdullahi tried to escape during the confrontation but was shot and re-arrested. The remaining suspects at the hideout managed to flee and are currently being tracked by our operatives,” Adeh added.
Items recovered from the scene include a long knife and various charms suspected to be used for protection and intimidation during operations.
Reacting to the arrests, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the bravery and precision of the Scorpion Squad, assuring residents of continued efforts to ensure public safety.
“This operation represents a significant victory in our fight against violent crime. We remain committed to purging criminal networks from our communities,” he said.
He urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious movements or individuals to law enforcement agencies, stressing that community involvement is critical to crime prevention.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. Efforts are also underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang still at large.
