By Barth Ikiebe in Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the arrest of three notorious kidnap suspects linked to a series of high-profile abductions and murders in Abuja and its surrounding states.
Acting on credible digital intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, conducted coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa States on June 13, 17, and 18, 2025, leading to the successful capture of the suspects.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the arrested individuals are:Ya’u Shittu, 27, from Kafanchan LGA, Kaduna State,
Sale Usman, 30, from Niger State and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 28, from Mpape, Abuja.
“These individuals, long on the Command’s wanted list, are members of a violent kidnap syndicate responsible for numerous abductions and killings across the FCT,” Adeh stated.
According to her, upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to a string of crimes, including the abduction of four men from Katampe and Shishipe I communities, and the kidnapping and murder of a pastor in Mpape in 2024.
“Further investigations linked them to the kidnapping of three children from Ruga Shishipe, Mpape, during which their father was killed while trying to resist the attackers.
“They also admitted to the recent abduction of a woman, for whom a ransom of ₦10 million was paid. Each gang member received ₦500,000 from the proceeds,”she added.
She identified one of the suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, was identified as the group’s arms supplier.
She disclosed that on June 18, 2925 operatives bursted into the gang’s hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, adding that upon sighting the police, other gang members opened fire.
A fierce gun battle ensued, during which Abdullahi attempted to escape but was shot, wounded, and re-arrested while the remaining suspects fled and are currently being tracked.
Recovered items from the hideout include a long knife and assorted charms.All arrested suspects are in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, according to the police image maker.
Commending the operatives, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP. Ajao S. Adewale, lauded their bravery and professionalism and urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” the Commissioner emphasized, urging timely reporting of suspicious movements or activities in communities.
Residents can reach the Police Command through these emergency lines: 08032003913 or 08028940883.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
