Police Crack Abuja Kidnapping Ring, Arrest Three Masterminds

Three notorious kidnap suspects linked to a series of deadly abductions in Abuja and neighbouring states have been apprehended, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced.

The Command said the suspects – Ya’u Shittu, 27, from Kaduna State; Sale Usman, 30, from Niger State; and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 28, from Abuja – were apprehended during sting operations conducted between June 13, 18, 2025, in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.

In a statement by SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson and given to Persecondnews on Thursday, police said the suspects, who were on the Command’s wanted list, reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings and murders, including the 2024 killing of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area where their father was shot dead.

Adeh said the police also linked them to the kidnapping of a woman for whom N10 million was paid in ransom, with each gang member receiving N500,000.

The statement reads: “The breakthrough followed “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.

“Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also doubled as the gang’s arms supplier, led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team was met with gunfire from other gang members, prompting a shootout.

“Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot and rearrested. Other gang members escaped and are currently being pursued. Exhibits recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.

“FCT Police Commissioner Ajao S. Adewale, commended the bravery of the Scorpion Squad and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to public safety. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security operatives.

“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT. We are determined to rid our communities of criminal elements. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

“Meanwhile, police have intensified efforts to track and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.”