The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnap kingpins and recovered N7.4 million cash during a counter-kidnapping operation in Abuja.
The suspects, identified as Masud Abdullahi of Karu, Nasarawa State, alleged gang leader, and Muhammad Tahir of Jos, Plateau State, were apprehended in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command.
FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed on Friday that the operation followed the abduction of a resident, Henry Chichi, from an estate in Karu, Abuja, on August 16, 2025.
She said the victim was safely released on August 17 after sustained pressure from operatives. A follow-up operation led to the interception of the gang along the Guraku axis of the Nasarawa–FCT highway after their vehicle, a red Opel Vectra, lost control.
While some members escaped, Abdullahi and Tahir were arrested. The police later stormed their hideout in Karshi Forest, Nasarawa, where another suspect, 22-year-old Kabiru Jibril, was captured.
Recovered items included N7.4 million cash, three AK-47 rifles with magazines, a G3 rifle, 16 rounds of live ammunition, and a Tecno handset.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, praised the professionalism of the operatives and assured that the manhunt for other fleeing gang members continues.
