Police kill ‘wanted kidnappers’, destroy hideouts in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have killed some “wanted kidnappers” in the Mpape area of the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja.

Muyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, in a statement on Saturday, said one of the suspected kidnappers was killed in a fire fight that lasted for about 30 minutes on Friday at about  2:40 a.m.

Adejobi said the hideouts of the kidnappers were destroyed adding that mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs were recovered during the operation.

“In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja,” the statement reads.

“The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.

“The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.

“This significant achievement follows closely on the heels of the neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.

“Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.

“The successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals.

“Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.”

Adejobi said the police remain resolute in their commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

He added that the police would continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice.