Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers Posing As Soldiers In Abuja
Security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested several suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and ammunition supply, following a series of intelligence-driven operations across Abuja and neighbouring states.
Suspects Arrested Over Viral Gun Videos
THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly disguised themselves in military camouflage and flaunted firearms in videos circulated on social media.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi disclosed the arrests while parading suspects at the Command Headquarters in Abuja. He said investigations were launched after security agencies analysed videos showing armed men displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication devices while dressed in military attire.
According to the police, digital forensic investigations and intelligence gathering led operatives to Runji Village in Zuba, where three suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation.
Weapons and Incriminating Materials Recovered
The suspects, identified as Umar Babangida, Adamu Yeti and Yahaya Idris, are all residents of Kaduna State.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly obtained firearms from a gang leader known as “Esco,” who remains at large.
Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, multiple mobile phones, jackknives, power banks and several videos and photographs showing the suspects posing with weapons and communication gadgets.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal network.
Murder, Fake Kidnap Plot Uncovered
In a separate operation, police arrested Emmanuel Acha Leku, a Cameroonian national, and his girlfriend, Kazan Vincent, over the alleged murder of a man initially reported missing.
Investigators said a financial dispute linked to suspected fraudulent activities led to the killing.
To conceal the crime, the principal suspect allegedly used the victim’s mobile phone to demand a ransom from family members, creating the impression that the victim had been kidnapped.
Police later recovered the victim’s phone and located his decomposing remains, which have been deposited for autopsy.
Ammunition Supplier and One-Chance Suspects Nabbed
The Command also announced the arrest of Yau Sule, a suspect who had been on its wanted list since 2023.
Security personnel intercepted him along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and recovered large quantities of ammunition, including rounds suitable for AK-47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns.
Investigators subsequently arrested his sister, Maria Sule, who is allegedly connected to a wanted bandit suspected of operating across the FCT, Kaduna and Niger states.
In another breakthrough, police arrested two suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate after rescuing a female victim along the Giri-Lugbe Road.
Officers recovered the victim’s stolen valuables, including a laptop and mobile phone, as well as knives and other items allegedly used during the robbery.
Police Intensify Security Operations
Commissioner Sanusi said preliminary investigations suggest links between some of the suspects and wider criminal networks involved in kidnapping, banditry and the supply of logistics to armed groups operating across parts of North-Central Nigeria.
He assured residents that ongoing intelligence-led operations would continue as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates threatening public safety.
