Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnapping kingpins and recovered a cache of arms alongside ₦7.4 million in cash.
The suspects, identified as Masud Abdullahi, the alleged gang leader from Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and Muhammad Tahir of Jos, Plateau State, were apprehended during a counter-kidnapping operation.
According to the Police, the operation followed a report received on 16th August 2025, at about 12:05 a.m., that armed kidnappers had invaded an estate in Karu, Abuja, where they forcefully abducted one Barrister Henry Chichi. Acting on the report, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a swift operation which eventually secured the victim’s safe release on 17th August at about 9:05 p.m.
In a follow-up operation, carried out in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command, the suspects were intercepted along the Guraku axis of the Nasarawa–FCT Highway after their operational vehicle, a red Opel Vectra (registration number BLD 566 AT), lost control. While some of the gang members escaped, Abdullahi and Tahir were arrested.
The suspects later led police operatives to their hideout in Karshi Forest, Nasarawa State, where another gang member, Kabiru Jibril (22 years), was apprehended. Items recovered at the hideout included:
- ₦7.4 million cash
- Three AK-47 rifles with magazines
- One G3 rifle with magazine
- Sixteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
- One Tecno handset
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, commended the professionalism of the operatives and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety. He also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the gang.
The Police further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938