The FCT Police Command on Monday announced a series of arrests and recoveries across separate operations that dismantled kidnapping logistics networks, freed a kidnap victim, and netted suspects linked to armed robbery and car theft across the Federal Capital Territory.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi said the breakthroughs reflect the strength of public-spirited intelligence and close collaboration between residents and the police.
Investigations into the 8 July abduction at Yellow House, Mpape, led the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit to trace and arrest Umaru Danda, a Zamfara native, at Gadabiu village, Niger State, on 10 July. Danda was identified as a supplier of hard drugs, logistics and other items to the kidnapping gang.
Police recovered a haul of items from three hideouts linked to the gang, including 25 cards of 225mg tramadol, 30 cards of 100mg tramadol, and two 500-tablet bottles of Embazol; two wraps of suspected cocaine, packs of cannabis tablets and dried cannabis leaves; a digital scale, two AirPods, two ATM cards, two bags and N250,000 in cash; and one AK-47 rifle. Danda and the exhibits remain in custody and will be charged after investigations conclude.
CP Sanusi said operatives also rescued a kidnap victim abducted from Karshi following a distress call on 12 July. Anti-Kidnapping teams tracked likely escape routes through the Waru hills and recovered the hostage unharmed at about 12:45am on 16 July. The victim received treatment and has been reunited with family. Exhibits recovered from the operation include a painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage clothing and assorted charms.
In a separate operation on 7 July, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested four suspects — Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar — suspected of posing as passengers to target and rob ride-hailing drivers before stealing their vehicles. Two recovered vehicles, an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 (YAB 240 DL) and a grey Honda Civic (ABC 72 JP), have been retrieved. Investigations continue, and charges will follow.
Three more suspects were detained after a hot pursuit along the Life Camp–Gwarimpa route. On 14 July, VCRU officers on patrol sighted a heavily tinted dark-blue Golf (RSH 621 BR) whose occupants fled at high speed. The chase led to the arrest of Orji Chibueze (35), Chibuike Odo (33) and Chibuikem Stanley (36). Officers recovered a wig, screwdriver, scissors, a knife, a cannabis strain locally known as “colos,” three phones, a cap and a rope. The suspects and exhibits are in custody pending charge.
In yet another incident, Nyanya Division officers responded to an emergency call around 4:50am on 19 July over an armed robbery in Area A, where five suspects attacked shop owner Mr. Linus after breaching his perimeter wall. Police engaged the attackers, injuring two as they fled, while the victim was rescued and taken for treatment.
Follow-up searches at a residence in Area A Block 8 turned up bloodstained clothes, a toy gun, a digger, two machetes, a military belt, identity documents and other items, including a counterfeit N1,000 note and assorted charms. Police arrested Abdulraman Ismail (20) and later Jamilu Yahaya (25), who led officers to a third suspect, Junaidu Usman (30), a chemist who allegedly treated an injured suspect still at large. Authorities say efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are being intensified.
CP Sanusi added that separate operations also recovered five stolen vehicles taken from the FCT, some of which have been returned to their owners while others await claims.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to professional, proactive policing and urged residents to continue using emergency lines to provide timely intelligence.
“If you see something, say something,” he said, adding that security is a collective responsibility.
All arrested suspects and exhibits remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
