By Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has dealt another blow to kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious criminal syndicate linked to a string of abductions and killings along the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)–Nasarawa border.
The suspects, identified as Buhari Adamu, 25, and Abubakar Saidu, 28, were apprehended during coordinated intelligence-driven operations carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) between June 24 and 26 in Gbagalape, Mararaba, and Abuja.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a gang allegedly responsible for several kidnappings, violent attacks, and murders within communities bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.
Investigators also linked the syndicate to the May 16 attack on Gbagalape Community, where several residents were abducted, others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries, while some victims were reportedly murdered even after ransom demands had been made.
Acting on intelligence obtained during the investigation, police operatives raided the gang’s hideout in the Gbagalape Hills, recovering one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 14 cows, and three sheep suspected to have been acquired through the gang’s criminal activities.
The Force said the arrested suspects are providing useful information to investigators, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Reaffirming the Force’s resolve to combat violent crime nationwide, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives of the FID-STS for the successful operation. He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid crime prevention and the apprehension of criminal elements.
