The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday disclosed a string of arrests and recoveries in separate operations that disrupted kidnapping logistics networks.
The command also revealed that it rescued a kidnap victim, and netted suspects linked to armed robbery and car theft across the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi said the successes underscored the value of public-spirited intelligence and close collaboration between residents and police.
Following an investigation into the 8 July abduction at Yellow House, Mpape, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced and arrested Umaru Danda (a Zamfara native) at Gadabiu village, Niger State, on 10 July.
He added: “Danda was identified as a supplier of hard drugs, logistics and other items to the kidnapping gang.”
Sanusi noted that police recovered several items from three hideouts linked to the gang, including 25 cards of 225 mg tramadol, 30 cards of 100 mg tramadol, and two bottles (500 tablets each) of Embazol
Also recovered ae: Two wraps of suspected cocaine, packs of cannabis tablets and dried cannabis leaves; one digital scale, two air pods, two ATM cards, two bags and cash of N250,000; and one AK-47 rifle.
Sanusi noted that Danda and the exhibits are in custody and will be charged after investigations conclude.
He disclosed that operatives rescued a kidnap victim taken from Karshi after a distress call on 12 July.
Sanusi noted: “Anti-Kidnapping teams tracked likely escape routes through the Waru hills and on 16 July recovered the hostage unharmed at about 12:45 AM.
“The victim received treatment and has been reunited with family.
“Recovered exhibits from that operation include a painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage clothing and assorted charms.
“On 7 July, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested four suspects: Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar, suspected of targeting ride-hailing drivers by posing as passengers before robbing and stealing vehicles.
“Two recovered vehicles were an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 (YAB 240 DL) and a grey Honda Civic (ABC 72 JP). Investigations continue and charges will follow.”
Sanusi added that three suspect have been detained after hot pursuit on Life Camp–Gwarimpa route
He said: “On 14 July, VCRU officers on patrol sighted a heavily tinted dark-blue Golf (RSH 621 BR) whose occupants fled at high speed.
“A hot pursuit led to the arrest of three men identified as Orji Chibueze (35), Chibuike Odo (33) and Chibuikem Stanley (36). Officers recovered a wig, screwdriver, scissors, a knife, a cannabis strain known locally as “colos”, three phones, a cap and a rope.
“The suspects and exhibits are in custody pending charge.
“Acting on an emergency call around 4:50 AM on 19 July, Nyanya Division officers responded to an armed robbery in Area A, where five suspects attacked a shop owner, Mr. Linus, after forcing access through his perimeter wall.
“The operatives engaged the attackers; two were injured while fleeing and the victim was rescued and taken for treatment.”
The police commissioner stressed that follow-up searches at a residence in Area A Block 8 produced 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.
He said Police arrested Abdulraman Ismail (20) and later Jamilu Yahaya (25), who led officers to another suspect, Junaidu Usman (30), a chemist who treated an injured suspect now at large. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect.