Police arrest suspects ‘linked to high profile kidnappings’ in FCT

The federal capital territory (FCT) police command has arrested seven suspected kidnappers in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. 

Parading the suspects on Wednesday, Benneth Igweh, FCT police commissioner, said the wanted kidnappers were arrested by operatives of the Utako police division, led by Victor Godfrey, in a coordinated operation at Tudun-Wada, Lugbe and Pyakasa area of Trademore.

Igweh said the suspects were linked to high profile kidnappings in the FCT and its environs.

The police commissioner added that all the suspects have confessed to their crimes and are providing useful information to aid the arrest of other gang members.

He identified the kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali; Aliyu Mohammed from Pumpomare area of Borno; Awwal Dahiru from Gwagwalada; Rabi Sani from Safana, Katsina; and Madina Abubakar from Gulu, Lapai LGA of Niger state.

Others are: Jonah Elimelech and Saminu Idris from Kauru, Kaduna; and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau.

The police commissioner said operatives recovered N9 million ransom payments from the gang, alongside knives, cutlasses, bullet proof vests, and charms.

“And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charged to court,” he added.

Igweh said 79 suspects were also arrested during raids on various black spots by the police operatives from Trademore, Galadimawa, Maitama, and Gwagwalada in the FCT.

He said operatives raided uncompleted buildings and recovered substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and other illicit drugs, from the suspects.

Igwe said the raid was part of the command’s efforts to rid the territory of crimes.

Last week, the police commissioner ordered a clampdown on any vehicle with single or no number plates.

The order was part of efforts to improve the worsening security situation in Abuja.

Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, 08028940883.